Job Description
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.
Inquiries Regarding Application Status
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of submitted applications. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted using the email and/or phone information provided in the online application.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of submitted applications. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted using the email and/or phone information provided in the online application.
Location:
Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
Vice President for College Advancement
Job Details and Requirement:
Executive Summary
Pitzer College, a top-ranked liberal arts and sciences college, seeks an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President for College Advancement.
The Vice President for College Advancement will report to President Strom Thacker and serve as a member of the senior leadership team. The Vice President is the chief advancement officer responsible for leadership and management of the institution’s strategic and integrated vision and plan for college fundraising, and constituent engagement. This includes planning, supervision and evaluation of services and programs in the areas of engagement - alumni, family, and friends; foundation relations; advancement services; annual, major, and planned giving, and special, capital, and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
The Vice President will serve as the chief advancement officer for the college and advise the President and other senior leaders on all advancement matters. As a key member of the president's senior leadership team, the VP will participate in institutional planning, and work collaboratively with others across the institution, including faculty and trustees, to identify and support college priorities, initiatives and opportunities. Superior ability to think strategically at the institutional, departmental and individual prospect levels is of the utmost importance. The college seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking and goal-oriented advancement professional with a robust track record as a major/principal gift fundraiser and manager of a sophisticated advancement operation.
Substantial leadership and management acumen is required, and thus the ideal candidate will have successfully led or had a significant leadership role in development or advancement programs for at least 10 years. Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful communications and fundraising campaigns is highly desirable. As would be expected, superior communication and relationship-building skills are necessary. A facility with data and an approach that uses data to drive strategy is essential. The Vice President will be an inspirational team builder with the capacity for employing industry best practices in alignment with institutional values and aspirations. The successful candidate will serve as an encouraging manager and mentor, capable of developing and supporting a department of hard-working, committed and engaged advancement professionals. A bachelor's degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.
Pitzer College emphasizes environmental and interdisciplinary studies, the arts, humanities and social, behavioral and natural sciences. With over 1,100 students, Pitzer College is part of The Claremont Colleges – a unique consortium of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions. The contiguous campuses share numerous programs and facilities. At Pitzer, students have access to all the resources of a major university while enjoying all the benefits of a liberal arts college experience and its personalized approach to education. Pitzer College celebrates cultural diversity and intercultural understanding. Students from different socioeconomic, ethnic and geographic backgrounds come to Pitzer from across the globe. In addition to learning from one another, students are encouraged to participate in one of the 46 international exchanges available through Pitzer’s study abroad programs, helping them learn a foreign language and deepening their appreciation of global diversity.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The Vice President for College Advancement will report directly to the President and will be an integral and vital part of Pitzer College's leadership team. The Vice President will be responsible for developing, leading and executing a comprehensive and innovative plan focused on identification, solicitation and cultivation of philanthropic support and engagement integrated with institutional branding, marketing and fostering of external public relations.
In addition, the Vice President will be expected to:
Advance the College's Fundraising Efforts
The Vice President for College Advancement will lead collaborative efforts with the President’s senior leadership team, trustees, and senior members of the administration and faculty to identify and track long- and short-term institutional targets that are supported by engagement, fundraising, and external relations. They will oversee the development of a comprehensive brand and messaging platform that includes compelling information and stories to be utilized for marketing and advancement purposes across college departments. They will create, vet, and lead the execution of innovative and ambitious initiatives and campaigns for fundraising. The Vice President will serve as the college's chief fundraising officer and will lead and execute fundraising strategies based on a compelling philanthropic vision that aligns with the college's mission and strategic priorities. The next Vice President will bring a professional and seasoned approach to the advancement operation and efforts.
Optimize Presidential Reach and Influence
The Vice President will meet with the President regularly as a trusted advisor to provide guidance and counsel on issues and opportunities related to developing, implementing and advancing a comprehensive advancement strategy. The Vice President will engage the President in high level, principal gift fundraising strategies and activities, provide exceptional staffing support on presidential fundraising initiatives and ensure the president’s time is appropriately leveraged and maximized for high value meetings aimed at securing impactful gifts. The Vice President should be comfortable serving as a key consultant and advisor to the President on matters of donor and board relations as it pertains to philanthropic initiatives and will apply professional expertise as the chief fundraiser and fundraising strategist to the broader Pitzer community and its leadership.
Provide Vision and Leadership
The Vice President will be able to lead the advancement organization with vision and creativity. There is an opportunity for the new Vice President to assess the current organizational structure, areas of strength and opportunities for transformation. They will have a strategic outlook and be open to new possibilities and effectively respond to emerging challenges. As a supervisor of approximately 25 people, they will demonstrate an ability to build and motivate a team, and to inspire joy in one’s work. The Vice President will need to leverage the operational capacity of everyone in the organization to ensure its productivity. The Vice President will assess and provide for additional training or other support needed across the organization to increase its efficacy and productivity. They will articulate clear and compelling expectations for every aspect of the advancement organization and will hold all staff accountable for meeting or exceeding those expectations.
They will provide ethical and mindful management of the department’s financial, personnel, and capital resources in the execution of strategic plans, and individual duties and responsibilities. The Vice President will lead and manage the advancement/development, engagement staff of the college. They will set and clearly communicate specific and measurable goals and expectations for department staff to meet college needs, commitments, and strategic targets on a regular and ongoing basis. They will promote and ensure accountability at all levels, while leading by example.
Foster a Culture of Philanthropy
The Vice President will lead collaborative efforts with the President’s senior leadership team, trustee leadership, and senior members of the administration and faculty to identify and track long- and short-term institutional targets that are supported by fundraising, and external relations. The successful candidate will encourage a campus-wide culture of philanthropy that fosters appreciation for and engagement in advancement efforts. They will proactively facilitate and support networking opportunities and connections for individuals across the college community with external contacts for fundraising, funding, publicity, and community and business partnerships to advance the college’s current and future strategic goals. They will serve as a liaison for relationship building between internal and external stakeholders, facilitating and shepherding communications and engagement. It will be important that they actively communicate and engage with the President’s cabinet, trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni to remain knowledgeable about current and upcoming projects, programs and initiatives.
Broaden the Pool of Prospective Donors
The Vice President will take a critical look at the overall philanthropic environment to create a strategy to broaden the pool of prospective donors while also tapping the scope of sustained, meaningful engagement with alumni and current donors, in ways that engender affinity and lifelong connections. The Vice President will develop methods of securing support across all areas in a competitive fundraising environment. They will personally identify, solicit, cultivate and secure major gifts, media connections and beneficial external relations for the college to meet expectations and goals set by the President, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders.
Review the Current Organization and Implement Best Practices
As a direct report to the President, the Vice President is responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing a robust, cutting-edge program while serving in the lead role to cultivate and secure private philanthropic support for the college and for each of its constituent units. In light of increasing needs for philanthropic revenue, the vice president will bring vision, innovation and initiative towards the implementation of sophisticated and best practices in institutional advancement at Pitzer College. The Vice President will recruit, maintain and develop exceptional staff. Respecting precedent and the expertise of the current staff, they will take the opportunity of this leadership transition to review the advancement with an eye toward ensuring that the college's historical approach comports with best practices across the profession. That review will be informed, in part, by existing assessments of the operations.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities
The Vice President for College Advancement must be familiar with best practices in the field, demonstrate successful fundraising experience, articulate a compelling vision, collaborate broadly and have experience in developing a successful team. Additionally, the successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and qualities:
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
The Vice President will demonstrate expert communication, interpersonal, and networking skills, and exhibit a dynamic and approachable personality. They must be a highly engaging, charismatic, and persuasive leader and influencer with individuals and groups from a broad range of constituencies in person, in writing, and virtually. They will demonstrate superior emotional intelligence and communicate in a manner that shows sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and mindfulness of the audience. As a transparent leader, they will share information with senior leadership and direct reports in a timely and effectual manner. They will demonstrate openness to different viewpoints, engaging and collaborating with people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Strategic Planning
Superior creativity, analytical skills, and business acumen will be essential qualities in this leader. They will possess solid knowledge for formulating strategic and tactical plans that are achievable, cost-effective and address organizational goals by themselves or in coordination with other strategies. They will have the ability to create plans that take an organization's strengths and weaknesses into account. They will demonstrate a superior ability to research, interpret, and report on long-term trends for the purpose of formulating policy and strategy. An understanding of data and familiarity with analysis and strategic planning is essential, as is a commitment to transparency in reporting, demonstrated experience using data to identify and assess effectiveness of advancement policies and practices, and a capacity to produce regular and systematic comparative reports that detail annual progress toward advancement goals. They will be capable of effectively employing information on national and international trends in higher education and on developments at competitor institutions in planning.
Creativity
The Vice President will have examples of proven success in innovative thinking and calculated risk taking combined with excellent execution of both complex and routine strategies and initiatives. They will have an ability to think creatively and to leverage technology, including the use of social media. An ability to serve as a thought leader on matters of philanthropic giving and donor cultivation and relations is expected. The successful candidate will have the ability to balance the values of the college with forward-thinking approaches.
Area-Specific Knowledge
The Vice President will have knowledge of developing innovative, effective, and mission-centered communications, marketing, and public relations. Additionally, they will possess expert knowledge of fundraising, including demonstrated attainment of major gifts, thorough understanding of strategic philanthropic planning, establishing and cultivating productive relationships with major donors, influencers, and key stakeholder. They will understand, remain current on and apply best practices and trends in using exceptional analytical skills, judgment, creativity, and applying an institution’s vision, values and strategic plan.
Proven Effectiveness and Expertise in Development
A proven track record in fundraising in higher education or in a large nonprofit organization at the major and principal gift levels is required, as is involvement in a major comprehensive campaign with the ability to clearly articulate campaign priorities to a variety of internal and external constituents. The Vice President will possess a deep understanding and knowledge of the complexities of running a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual, major, principal, planned and corporate and foundation giving. They will also have experience working with and/or leading volunteers, including foundation, campaign and alumni boards.
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion
In concert with the values of Pitzer College, the Vice President will value diversity as exhibited in hiring choices, assignments made, teams formed and interaction with others. They will show respect for people regardless of race, gender, ability or background, and actively seeks different viewpoints, leveraging the benefits of multiple perspectives. They will seek to understand the perspective of others when disagreement arises and respond appropriately. They will have an unwavering commitment to diversity in all forms as well as a commitment to foster an inclusive culture.
Development of Staff
A solid knowledge of managing and directing performance and change, along with a proven ability to lead and manage complex teams will be necessary. The Vice President will demonstrate a flexible management style to help others develop their capabilities and meet their potential. They will possess the knowledge and ability to deliver productive feedback, be an effective coach and mentor, and maintain documentation. They will have a strong ability to collaborate with direct reports to set meaningful and measurable performance objectives, recognizing and reinforcing developmental efforts and improvements. The Vice President will regularly meet with direct reports to provide guidance, feedback and direct professional development.
Personal Qualities
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate a complex environment and to understand and relate effectively with diverse constituents and to partner in a sophisticated way with institutional leadership, the board, top prospective donors and community leaders; a strong sense of accountability, integrity and authenticity; a sense of urgency and engagement; honesty, integrity, candor and a strong moral compass; genuine interest in forming a team with staff and college leaders; a personal presence that is active and inclusive; ability to observe, listen, learn and clarify needs while engendering trust quickly among diverse constituencies; ability to travel regionally, nationally and internationally on behalf of Pitzer College; engaging personality and high energy; presents with humility; possesses a good sense of humor; and optimistic.
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes, supervising Office of Advancement direct reports.
Time Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Annual Pay Schedule: 12 months of the year.
Work Schedule: The regular hours for this position will be scheduled between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These hours may vary due to needs of the College or department.
Work Model: Hybrid, On-Campus
Compensation: Budgeted Salary Range: $240,000-$260,000 per year
Benefits: Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more.
Physical Requirements: General physical requirements for an in-person office position.
Procedure for Candidacy
To assure full consideration, application materials should be received by May 17, 2024. The Search Committee will begin a review of applications in mid-May and continue its work until an appointment is made.
Candidates should provide:
- A letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities expressed in the position profile;
- Curriculum vitae/resume;
- Statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Five professional references with emails, telephone numbers, and a description of the candidate’s professional relationship with each reference listed (references will not be contacted without prior written authorization from the applicant).
Nominations should be submitted electronically to:
marie_pinedo@pitzer.edu
The search is being managed by:
Pitzer College:
Marie Piñedo, Senior Director of Human Resources
Email:
marie_pinedo@pitzer.edu
Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon a candidate possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Employment is also contingent upon new employees providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States. For positions requiring the use of a college-owned vehicle, employment is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the colleges’ automobile liability insurance. Final candidates in all staff positions will be required to undergo a background investigation; in addition some positions may require a physical lift test and pulmonary function test.
Employment is contingent upon a candidate possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Employment is also contingent upon new employees providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States. For positions requiring the use of a college-owned vehicle, employment is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the colleges’ automobile liability insurance. Final candidates in all staff positions will be required to undergo a background investigation; in addition some positions may require a physical lift test and pulmonary function test.
Covid-19 Vaccination
Pitzer College has mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. New employees are required to show proof of full vaccination, including booster, against COVID-19 or request a Pitzer College approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of Equal Employment opportunity and Affirmative Action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status, in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other College-administered programs, and employment policies. Pitzer strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Safety Report
In compliance with applicable law, Pitzer College publishes an annual report containing statistical information concerning the occurrence of crime on campus and adjacent thereto, as well as policies and practices concerning security. A copy of this report is online at http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/cs/index.asp or by contacting The Claremont Colleges Department of Campus Safety: 251 E. Eleventh Street, Claremont, CA 91711-3947; (909) 621-8170.
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