Vice President, Advancement

Job Description

Champlain College is seeking a Vice President of Advancement to develop and lead the vision, strategy, and operations that power the college's fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for setting the direction for all advancement activities - including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.

This is a high-impact opportunity at an institution with a clear direction and the investments to back it up.

Champlain College is seeking a Vice President of Advancement to develop and lead the vision, strategy, and operations that power the college's fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for setting the direction for all advancement activities - including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.

This is a high-impact opportunity at an institution with a clear direction and the investments to back it up. Champlain is launching innovative new programs and deepening its partnerships with local and regional employers - all while expanding scholarship access to reach more students. The VP of Advancement will help translate these initiatives into philanthropic results that open doors for students and strengthen the college's position as a national leader in career-driven education.

The College is building toward a significant fundraising campaign and the next VP will play a central role in shaping and executing that effort. The ideal candidate is an energetic, results-oriented advancement professional who thrives on building relationships and closing gifts. Leading a team of four direct reports and 12 total staff, this role requires a leader who can set strategy and execute it personally, from cultivating major donor prospects to representing the college at events and in the community.

We're looking for someone with the drive and creativity to take a strong foundation and make it stronger.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy encompassing major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and campaign initiatives aligned with institutional priorities
• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating and soliciting donors at the highest levels
• Set fundraising goals, track performance metrics, and report outcomes to the President and Board of Trustees
• Identify and support proposal development of corporate and foundation funding opportunities through donor access and stakeholder coordination

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, prospective donors, Board members, and community partners
• Develop and oversee donor stewardship programs that recognize giving and sustain long-term engagement
• Lead alumni relations efforts that strengthen connections to the college and create pathways to giving, volunteerism, and advocacy
• Plan and execute cultivation events, donor recognition programs, and advancement-related communications

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the college, representing Champlain's mission, values, and impact to external audiences
• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on strategic initiatives that advance the college's philanthropic position
• Collaborate across the institution - including Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs - to align advancement priorities with institutional goals
• Engage with community leaders, local and regional employers, and civic organizations to strengthen Champlain's profile and expand its network of supporters and partners

• Lead, mentor, and develop the advancement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth
• Oversee the advancement budget and ensure responsible financial management of all philanthropic funds and gift processing operations
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements governing charitable giving and foundation activities
• Leverage data, analytics, and advancement technology to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomes

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, institutional advancement or adjacent fields, with demonstrated success in personally securing major gifts
• Strong budget management skills with experience overseeing advancement operations and gift processing
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the…