Associate Vice President, Donor

Associate Vice President for Donor Experience

Witt Kieffer is proud to support Ohio University as they seek a strategic and experienced advancement professional to serve as their next Associate Vice President for Donor Experience. This role offers an opportunity to shape donor engagement at a university that has been repeatedly named the best‑value public institution in Ohio.

As a nationally recognized public research institution with a Very High Research Activity (R1) designation and growing enrollment across all modalities, Ohio University is well‑positioned for continued momentum. Serving an alumni population of nearly 300,000, the University secures more than $50 million in philanthropic support each year, reflecting both the loyalty of its alumni and the strength of its advancement programs.

Ohio University continues to advance its refreshed mission and vision through the Dynamic Strategy, a comprehensive institutional framework focused on access, student success, research excellence, and deep community engagement. With the arrival of Vice President for Advancement Greg Simmons in November 2024, a seasoned advancement leader with extensive campaign and engagement experience, the University is strengthening its advancement infrastructure and preparing to elevate donor engagement at scale.

The Associate Vice President for Donor Experience will serve as a central architect of this work. Leading donor relations, stewardship and gift administration, and advancement events, this leader will guide a comprehensive and coordinated donor engagement strategy that aligns with university priorities and reflects the interests of its supporters. The role calls for a thoughtful strategist who can design consistent, compelling donor communications, deliver modern, accessible impact reporting, and strengthen the systems and practices that support a seamless donor experience.

Working across a decentralized but collaborative campus, the Associate Vice President will partner closely with the AVP for Development, academic leadership, and frontline fundraisers to align stewardship, recognition, and engagement. This leader will elevate data quality practices, refresh donor societies and recognition programs, and guide a team committed to service, reliability, and clarity. Through this work, the Associate Vice President will directly enhance donor trust, increase participation, and support the University’s long‑term philanthropic goals.

A master’s degree in a related field and extensive professional experience (typically 15+ years), including supervisory experience (typically 9+ years), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with higher education is strongly preferred, particularly within decentralized academic environments.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile which can be found at

Please direct all nominations, applications of interest, and inquiries to the Witt Kieffer consultants assisting Ohio University with this recruitment via the Witt Kieffer Candidate Portal available at  Questions can be directed to Ashley Buderus and Eleanor Vogelsang via email at

Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law.

Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.