Assistant Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Whitman College
Assistant Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Walla Walla, Washington

Whitman College seeks a dynamic leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR).

Whitman College is a top-tier liberal arts college and vibrant campus community that supports learning, thriving, and lifelong relationships. As a small residential liberal arts college, Whitman is rooted in traditional liberal arts values like critical thought and academic rigor. The College serves more than 1,500 undergraduate students and 49 majors and programs. Students have flexibility in designing independent study programs, electing special majors, and participating in internships and study-abroad programs. With over 18,000 alumni, Whitman alumni make an impact in every field of work and in communities around the world.

Whitman College is among the nation's best colleges for students seeking a high-quality, life-changing education. Whitman was ranked 48th among the top national liberal arts colleges, making Whitman the highest-ranked liberal arts college in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Whitman also ranked in the U.S. News & World Report in three top national lists, including 4th in the nation for Most Accessible Professors and 8th on the Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact among private colleges. Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, Washington, a charming college town and close-knit community surrounded by world-class outdoor experiences and a mild climate with ample sunshine.

Over the last decade, the College has made major strides: growing the diversity of the student population, significantly expanding funds for scholarships and financial aid, strengthening community-based learning, supporting students in preparing for life after college, and substantially innovating the curriculum (revising the general education requirements and adding five new majors along with several minors and concentrations). The College collaborates with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and has made major investments in community and student life, including the central dining hall (Cleveland Commons) and Stanton Hall, which allows all sophomores to live on campus. Looking toward the future, Whitman College's strategic plan, Transformative Learning for a Changing World, ensures that Whitman has a transformative impact for students and their futures—now and for many years to come.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the AVP supervises the directors of Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving while serving as a member of the Development and Alumni Relations Senior Leadership Team. In consultation with the Vice President, the AVP will lead strategic collaboration across Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving teams to sustain and strengthen the College's alumni and family donor base through and beyond the close of the Upward Together Campaign in 2026.

In close partnership and collaboration with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, and the DAR team, the AVP will establish ambitious fundraising goals for development units and staff. The new AVP will work with a talented team and support them in their efforts to maximize philanthropic support by utilizing data analytics tools to identify trends and formulate strategies to drive the gift officer metrics framework. This leader will serve as a mentor to fundraising staff and will provide guidance, training and an open-door policy. The AVP will directly manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospective donor. A bachelor's degree and demonstrated experience in building and sustaining a high-performing, donor-centric development operation is required for the role.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile available here.

WittKieffer is assisting Whitman College in this search. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Sarah Seavey and Mercedes Chacon Vance
WhitmanAVPDAR@wittkieffer.com

The anticipated salary range for this position is $157,469 to $174,965 depending upon experience.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experiences can add to the College's working and learning environment.
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