President and CEO

President and Chief Executive Officer

Bryant Group is partnering with the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) to recruit the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The President and CEO will provide visionary leadership to fulfill the organization's mission to elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy. They will define and articulate a bold vision that will continue the upward trajectory of the foundation and alumni operations.

The CEO will foster a culture of achievement and innovation, set high expectations for the office as a whole and for individual staff members and ensure that all team members are actively and meaningfully engaged. They will focus on growing the capabilities of the WSUFAE team and maintaining a positive office culture.

The CEO will have oversight of the following areas:

• Fundraising and campaign management
  
  
• Alumni programming and volunteerism
  
  
• Marketing and communications
  
  
• Finance and accounting
  
  
• Technology and data operations
  
  
• Investment performance oversight for the pool of endowed and non-endowed funds
  
  
• Volunteer management
  
  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in fundraising, alumni engagement and strategic leadership. They will be a strong communicator and relationship builder with a deep understanding of the higher education landscape.
  
  As the CEO of the WSUFAE, this role reports directly to the Board of Directors and holds a position as an esteemed member of the University President's Strategy Team and Executive Team. This role demands a visionary and forward-thinking leader, who possesses extensive institutional experience and intellectual capability to inspire and guide a diverse and sizable team of professionals and volunteers. It is crucial for the President to represent WSUFAE and Wichita State University in a professional manner, cultivating a positive reputation among all stakeholders. Above all, the President should seamlessly exemplify the core values of WSUFAE - Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service - in every endeavor they undertake.
  
  Primary Responsibilities
  
  1. As the chief fundraiser and spokesperson for the WSUFAE, travel throughout the United States, representing Wichita State and building relationships with donors, prospects, alumni and community/state leaders.
  2. Working closely and in a trusting relationship with the University President, Provost, Deans and athletic staff to ensure the successful establishment and achievement of fundraising goals, including targeted and comprehensive campaigns.
  3. Provide leadership in establishing overall policies, plans and objectives, and maintain Board relations and provide executive management. Serve as voting member of the Board of Directors.
  4. Oversee the continued development and replenishment of a strong WSUFAE leadership team that enables the recruitment, professional growth and retention of talented staff.
  5. Ensure alumni programs, initiatives and volunteer opportunities encompass the breadth of the alumni base and comprehensive communication strategies are developed.
  6. Ultimately responsible for the development and management of the annual operational budget and oversight of the investment consulting firm performance.
  7. Continually seek out best practices for all WSUFAE functions, ensuring strong donor and alumni relations programs.
  8. Maintain a vibrant and involved Board/National Advisory Council, keeping members engaged through informative and dynamic meetings, committee service and campus involvement.
  9. Represent the WSUFAE with professionalism, demonstrating the organizational core values of: Integrity, excellence, collaboration and service.
  
  Job Requirements
  
  
  
• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution
  
  
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in higher educational fundraising and executive management
  
  
• Demonstration of personal success cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors at the six-and-seven-figure levels; the ability to inspire high net worth individuals, corporations and major foundations to philanthropic leadership
  
  
• Volunteer management working with or for a private board
  
  
• A proven understanding of investment and portfolio management principles and financial administration, as well as experience working with investment consultants
  
  
• Familiarity with technology and a commitment to using technology to maximize efficiency
  
  
• Experience leading a staff through a major campaign
  
  
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively
  
  Skills
  
  
  
• The professional credibility, intellectual depth, maturity, wisdom and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the University President, senior leaders, faculty, board members, alumni, students and other key constituents
  
  
• Exceptionally strong leadership qualities, especially vision, strategic thinking, decisiveness and kindness. Sets an organizational environment where open discourse and diversity of thinking is encouraged
  
  
• Ability to be articulate concise, compelling and diplomatic through excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills
  
  
• Easily balances competing priorities, complex situations and tight deadlines
  
  
• Develops and coaches sound decision-making abilities across the team, operating from an unquestionable set of high ethical standards
  
  Physical Requirements
  
  
  
• This position will involve daily walking, sitting, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching and standing for long periods of time. Must be able to use a computer and use a telephone for long periods of time daily.
  
  
• Ability to drive/sit in a car (day or night) for 3 hours or more (to different city/state) with the ability to travel by train, car, flying or other forms of public transformation.
  
  
• Must be willing to attend campus events outside of normal working hours.
  
  
• Typical office working conditions.
  
  Preferred Requirements and Skills
  
  
  
• Graduate degree from accredited institution
  
  
• 10 - 15 years of experience in higher education fundraising and executive management
  
  Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging
  Our organization is committed to providing opportunities for all employees to succeed by creating an inclusive environment that amplifies the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team members. With a mission built on our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence and service, we strive to be an inclusive and equitable work environment. Managers are expected to model this behavior by clearly setting expectations and directly addressing non-inclusive behavior. In our pursuit to build and maintain a high-performing team, it is every individual's responsibility to contribute to our culture of belonging.
  
  Disclaimer
  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee nor is it an employment contract. Regular attendance is required in this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
  
  To apply: https://www.bryantgrp.com/current-listings/ceo-wichita-state-univ-fndn-alumni-engage
  
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