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Vice President for Advancement

Position Details

Job ID # 25-030
Department Advancement
Reports To President

Position Summary

The Vice President for Advancement serves as the chief advancement officer of NU, overseeing all development, alumni relations, and communication efforts to strengthen philanthropic support and external engagement. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the President’s Cabinet, the VP for Advancement provides strategic leadership for fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, marketing, and community relations, aligning advancement goals with NU’s mission and strategic plan. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), senior-level administrative position. Hybrid work flexibility may be considered from approved work locations.

Essential Functions

  1. Provide vision and leadership for all areas of advancement, including development, alumni relations, communications, and advancement services.
  2. Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support institutional priorities and the NU’s strategic plan.
  3. Oversee the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors, foundations, corporations, and other partners.
  4. Collaborate with the President and Board of Trustees on philanthropic strategy and donor engagement.
  5. Supervise and mentor advancement staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  6. Direct major campaigns, annual giving, planned giving, and grant initiatives.
  7. Ensure the integrity and efficiency of advancement operations, including budgeting, reporting, and database management.
  8. Serve as a key representative of NU to alumni, community organizations, and prospective donors.
  9. Work closely with Marketing team to promote NU’s achievements and philanthropic impact.
  10. Participate as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team and the President’s Cabinet, contributing to institutional decision-making.

Education/Experience/Skills

  1. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
  2. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible advancement or development experience, including at least 3 years in a development leadership role.
  3. Proven success in securing major and principal gifts and in leading comprehensive campaigns.
  4. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
  5. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation abilities.
  6. Knowledge of current trends and best practices in fundraising and alumni engagement.
  7. Ability to work effectively with trustees, senior administrators, faculty, alumni, and donors.
  8. Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of NU.

Working Environment 

  1. Frequent weekend/evening work responsibilities required for donor and NU events.
  2. Moderate travel required for donor cultivation, alumni engagement, and professional meetings. 
  3. Position works with strictly confidential information.

Physical Demands

  1. The functions are usually performed while sitting, but may involve some amount of time standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting (max. of 40 lbs.), walking, carrying, reaching, perform repetitive motions of the hands or wrists and other movements. 
  2. The abilities of seeing, hearing and speaking are also required. 

Compensation

Based on education and experience, the position has a hiring range of $130,000 to $150,000 annually, plus excellent benefits.

Lifestyle Standards

Recognize, understand, and agree to live by the spiritual, moral, and ethical standards of Northwest University, as outlined in the Employee Manual.

Application Procedure

Please submit your resume, a letter of interest describing your qualifications, and a completed application form to the Human Resources office. Applications are available online (www.northwestu.edu/jobs), or in the Human Resources Office of Northwest University.

You may submit your package by mail or email.

Northwest University
Attn: Human Resources
PO Box 579
Kirkland, WA 98083-0579
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Inquiries regarding staff positions may be made to:

Human Resources Office
Northwest University
5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 889-5749
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Northwest University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in admissions and access to, employment, or treatment in its programs or activities. Northwest University is an "At Will" employer.

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