THE POSITION The next Vice President of <strong>Advancement</strong> for <strong>SBU</strong> will have natural entrepreneurship, strong operational skills, the ability to manage people and build relationships, and passionate enthusiasm for the mission of Southwest Baptist University. <strong>SBU</strong> is looking for a <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> to lead the Office of <strong>Advancement</strong>, which focuses on development strategies, relationships, and donor events. The <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> will be responsible for shaping the University’s development strategy and seeing that it is carried out effectively and within given budgetary and organizational structures. The <strong>VP</strong> is a crucial member of the Executive University Cabinet, reporting to and working alongside the President, Dr. Rick Melson, and meeting regularly with the University’s major individual and institutional donors. The <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> is primarily responsible for the cultivation of major donors, leading any special <strong>SBU</strong> fundraising efforts as needed. In this sense, the <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> is, in addition to the President, <strong>SBU</strong>’s primary ambassador to supporters. This position is located in Bolivar, MO, and requires up to 50% travel. The <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> will have the following responsibilities: Create and Lead Development Strategy Working with the President and leading the <strong>Advancement</strong> team, this leader crafts a comprehensive fundraising strategy to enable sustainable growth, including individual, University, and corporate donors, while evaluating external environment and trends and their impact on the University and said fundraising strategies. A crucial element of the strategy should include the nurturing of lifelong, engaged Bearcats who influence families, churches, communities, professions, and politics worldwide for the Kingdom and may include launching a proactive major gifts program and building a larger major donor base. The goal, set by <strong>SBU</strong>’s Strategic Plan 2019-2028, is to “Establish Southwest Baptist University as our alumni’s ‘Charity of Choice’”. The <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> works closely with other members of <strong>SBU</strong>’s executive cabinet to craft organizational strategy and goals that includes local and national influence. This leader works in tandem with President Melson to develop and support national, regional, and local media and public relations strategies. Lead External Relationship Cultivation with Donors and Alumni The <strong>VP</strong> of <strong>Advancement</strong> will work in tandem with President Melson to nurture existing university relationships and will lead relationship-building strategies and activities with major individual donors, personally developing relationships with key donors and prospective donors and creating an individual donor cultivation strategy for the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership. The <strong>VP</strong> will continue to grow <strong>SBU</strong>’s base of potential supporters, building on referrals from Board members, current advocates, and those identified through research. Provide Team Leadership Through building and leading the <strong>Advancement</strong> Team, the <strong>VP</strong> will build upon the strong <strong>SBU</strong> familial culture and nurture a positive, servant-driven, cohesive, highly functioning group. This leader will have an opportunity to shape the <strong>Advancement</strong> team, drawing in new members that will work cohesively and bring fresh energy to <strong>SBU</strong>’s loyal team. The successful candidate will be a proven leader in development with the experience, vision, and energy required to partner with other leadership within <strong>SBU</strong>. This person will have the ability to work collaboratively, relationally, and successfully with staff to implement changes and enhancements to <strong>SBU</strong> fundraising programs. The <strong>VP</strong> will communicate with colleagues across the University to integrate development and program activities and to ensure that development commitments are properly fulfilled by other departments.
THE POSITION (CONTINUED) Demonstrate Prior Development Success This person will have measurable success in direct one-on-one major gift fundraising, as well as a proven track record of leading and growing a comprehensive development department. This person will have or develop quickly, credibility and relationships in the community. Proven success with six-figure donations and multi-million dollar campaigns is necessary. Exhibit Passion for <strong>SBU</strong> Mission The right leader will have a passion for spreading the mission of <strong>SBU</strong> to the Bolivar and Springfield communities and across the globe. Through the knowledge, wisdom, understanding, compassion, and creativity inspired by the Word of God, a commitment to achieving the advancement of the university’s goals.
Change language