November 13, 2023
Position Title
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation
Job Description
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) announces its national search for an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement (VCUA) and CEO of the SIUE Foundation.
A metropolitan university, SIUE serves a diverse student body of more than 12,500. The Edwardsville campus encompasses 2,660 acres of woods and rolling hills in the scenic beauty of southwestern Illinois. The University has a center in East St. Louis, which includes a charter high school and a nursing clinic; SIU School of Dental Medicine is located in Alton. SIUE competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Ohio Valley Conference and the Mid-American Conference (wrestling). SIUE’s safety record has yielded a “Top 50 Safest College Towns in America” designation for the city of Edwardsville. SIUE provides students with a high-quality, affordable education and prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world.
SIUE received the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. SIUE joins a select group of 19 institutions that have earned the distinction annually since 2014. SIUE is one of 62 university campuses in the world and the only public institution in Illinois to be part of the Sustained Dialogue Campus Network (SDCN), which helps University faculty, staff and students address issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability status and other topics that often are not effectively discussed in diverse groups. The non-profit group Campus Pride ranked SIUE in the top 100 among the 2021 Most Affordable LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities. SIUE’s LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Climate index and Sexual Orientation scores are 4.5 out of 5 stars. SIUE's Gender Identity/Expression score is 4 out of 5 stars. SIUE is also nationally recognized as a 2022-23 Military Friendly® School and among the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges.
Reporting directly to Chancellor James T. Minor, Ph.D., the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement is a key leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of philanthropic investment in the institution's exciting initiatives, including planning and executing major campaigns.
The successful candidate must hold a bachelor's degree, and a master’s degree in an appropriate field is preferred. Candidates must be an experienced major and principal gift fundraiser who demonstrates at least seven years of leadership experience, preferably within higher education at an institution of similar or greater complexity. Campaign experience is required, as are superior strategic skills at the institutional, departmental and prospect levels. Candidates with extensive, successful experience growing and leveraging constituent relations programs to ensure long-term success will be at an advantage. Experience serving one or more public universities will be an advantage.
The Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation oversees the division of University Advancement including more than 20 staff members working in the areas of annual giving, financial affairs, major gifts, prospect research, stewardship, planned giving and constituent relations as well as the SIUE Alumni Association and the SIUE Foundation board of directors. The Vice Chancellor will work closely with the SIUE Foundation board of directors, its officers and its committees by providing leadership in establishing goals, identifying fundraising priorities, administering policies and procedures and stewarding assets of the Foundation.
In addition, the Vice Chancellor will ensure that the SIUE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, aligns with the mission, vision, values and strategic initiatives of the University and maintains the highest level of stewardship in overseeing the investment and use of gifts. SIUE achieved its highest fundraising year in its history in fiscal year 2023 with over $11.3 million raised. In fiscal year 2024, the Foundation has already received a seven-figure gift and, as of November 2023, is over halfway to meeting its $12.5 million fundraising goal.
Poised at a moment of opportunity, the next VCUA will provide innovative, forward-thinking vision that leverages the commitment of SIUE University Advancement and University leadership to move SIUE into alignment with their peers. The VCUA is a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and acts as the bridge between the chancellor and the division. They will provide reliable and trustworthy counsel to the chancellor on all matters related to institutional advancement, including transparent communication associated with major decisions and important division matters. This position requires a talented and visionary individual who will work to develop innovative strategies in collaboration with academic units and key constituents to successfully create and execute efficient fundraising strategies.
Key responsibilities for the VCUA include:
- Strategic Planning and Leadership:
- Building a Culture of Philanthropy:
- Collaboration and External Relations:
- Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism
The Search Committee invites applicants to submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. For the full job description, click here: Candidate Profile
Submit materials directly to the search committee at:
VCUAsearch@siue.edu
While applications may be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. The deadline for applications is December 4, 2023; however, the University reserves the right to end or extend the application and nomination process following this date.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce, we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.
