Assistant Vice Chancellor, University Advancement Programs

Washington University in St. Louis

Assistant Vice Chancellor, University Advancement Programs

St. Louis, MO

Washington University in St. Louis seeks an experienced and aspirational advancement professional to serve as its next assistant vice chancellor (AVC), university advancement programs (UAP). As second-in-command of university advancement programs, the assistant vice chancellor is the most senior staff member reporting to the associate vice chancellor and will assist the associate vice chancellor with the strategic management and oversight of the Danforth Campus schools and other university-wide programs.

Founded in 1853, Washington University is one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher education, dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The last few years have been very eventful for the university. In 2019, Andrew Martin became its 15th chancellor, and Pamella Henson became the executive vice chancellor for university advancement. Leadership across the university is engaged in establishing new priorities across key units, critically reexamining programs, and organizational structures to ensure those priorities are achievable, and creating strong, collaborative partnerships that reinforce university-wide efforts and initiatives.

The assistant vice chancellor will have responsibility for the day-to-day management and operations of Parent Engagement and Advancement, Brown School Advancement, Sam Fox School Advancement and School of Law Advancement. The AVC acts as a liaison between university advancement and the dean or directors of the programs. Further, the assistant vice chancellor will manage and support infrastructure for these programs including budgets, human resources, reporting mechanisms, and dissemination of information to enhance productivity and drive results in the annual, major, and principal gift areas.  The AVC also works closely with the associate vice chancellor to manage campaign planning, program development, and a personal portfolio of major and principal gift level prospects.

The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of leadership experience, preferably in higher education or a related fundraising environment. They must have a demonstrated track record as an exceptional fundraiser, manager, and strategist. The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional with the drive and ability to improve strategic and organizational effectiveness of advancement programs through strategic positioning, direction, and leadership. The successful candidate must possess the desire and wherewithal to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships with all members of an operation across a university and a diverse body of donors and constituents; and the exceptional interpersonal skills required to effectively engage and manage key leaders, deans, directors, and other members of the university community in the fundraising process. Additionally, they must possess a strong track record of successful fundraising, with an emphasis in major gifts and be skilled in developing sophisticated strategies for planning, implementing, and administering complex gift situations. They must be able to operate effectively with flexibility and collegiality in a fast-paced, demanding, and complex organizational environment.

Washington University in St. Louis has retained Mr. Jack Gorman of Isaacson, Miller, the national executive search firm, to assist in conducting this important search. Inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed to the search firm at http://www.imsearch.com/8476.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing equal opportunity

to all qualified individuals in its employment and personnel practices.

The university practices affirmative action by taking assertive steps to recruit, hire,

and promote minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.