Vice President of Institutional Advancement

The Vice President of Institutional Advancement leads all college fundraising, alumni and parent relations programs and is the institutional liaison to the Institutional Advancement Committee of the Millsaps College Board of Trustees.  The successful candidate will lead a seasoned fundraising team of professionals in the offices of development, annual giving, alumni and parent relations and advancement operations. We are seeking a relationship-oriented, warm, energetic and innovative leader with proven success in the advancement field and a deep commitment to Millsaps College’s mission and values.

The Vice President of Institutional Advancement reports to the President of the college and is a member of the President’s Executive Staff and Cabinet. The next Vice President of Institutional Advancement will join Millsaps College during an exciting and pivotal moment in time and will be well positioned to achieve great things for the institution. In FY25 the college concluded its most successful fundraising year ever with help from increased alumni giving, board support and a seasoned advancement team. The college has recently conducted a feasibility study and is preparing for a comprehensive campaign.

This position works on-site in Jackson, MS and requires regular travel.

• Provide strategic direction, vision, and management for the college’s overall institutional advancement efforts, including annual and major gift fundraising, capital campaigns, community and public relations, alumni relations, institutional research, planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure major gifts, planned gifts, and annual contributions. Lead capital campaign planning and execution to support the college’s strategic priorities.
• Foster strong relationships with alumni, encouraging their engagement and support for the college. Develop and implement programs to enhance alumni involvement and contributions.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with corporations, businesses, and individuals within the community. Represent the college at local board and foundation meetings, summarizing activities, key accomplishments, challenges, and upcoming focuses.
• Develop and administer the Institutional Advancement annual budget in collaboration with assigned staff. Manage budgets, restricted and unrestricted accounts, and record-keeping systems of the investment portfolio.
• Supervise foundation operations, development, assessment and planning, and other relevant staff. Conduct annual evaluations and make salary adjustment recommendations.
• Advise the college president on matters related to institutional advancement, including appropriate policy recommendations to improve customer service, operational efficiency, and the ability to realize the college’s mission and strategic goals.
• Provide leadership and support to foster continuous improvement in the quality and effectiveness of institutional advancement. Other duties as assigned by the President of the College.

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years successful experience in fundraising and alumni relations, preferably fundraising in higher education and in a liberal arts college context with high volume of success in closing major or planned gifts and experience in large capital campaign planning and execution.
• Understanding of national institutional advancement trends and best practices.
• Track record of successfully coaching individuals in key staff and leadership positions, including trustees, deans and volunteers.
• Ability to think and act strategically on at least three levels – institutionally as a member of the Executive Staff, divisionally as the leader of Institutional Advancement and individually as a major gift fundraiser.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as engage, inspire and motivate others toward ambitious goals.
• Interest in all aspects of higher education with dedication to promoting Millsaps’ fundraising priorities and the ability to work in an environment with constrained resources.
• Understanding of church-related, residential liberal arts colleges or ability to learn and assimilate quickly.
• Excellent skills in personal relationships and oral and written communication.
• High energy, self-motivated and ability to travel extensively and participate in evening and weekend activities as required.

Please send all nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest electronically, [email protected]. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of professional references.