Executive Director of University Relations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of University Relations reports directly to the President and provides strategic leadership for advancement, marketing, and external relations in support of the University’s mission and long-term vision. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy—including annual, capital, and planned giving—while strengthening the University’s visibility, reputation, and strategic partnerships. The Executive Director cultivates and sustains relationships with donors, alumni, churches, foundations, and community partners, securing philanthropic support through gifts, grants, and endowments.

This position also provides executive oversight of marketing and communications to ensure consistent alignment with the University’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities, including annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and special initiatives.
• Establish, monitor, and achieve fundraising goals and performance benchmarks.
• Cultivate, steward, and maintain strong relationships with major donors, alumni, church leaders, foundations, and key stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and engage high-capacity donors and strategic partners; coordinate meetings, briefings, and engagement opportunities for the President to advance major gift relationships.
• Oversee grant strategy, applications, and reporting; provide regular updates on fundraising outcomes and financial progress.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the University and its alumni, churches, ministry partners, and broader community.
• Partner with the President to manage the University’s public image, including media relations, press releases, and external communications, ensuring mission alignment.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Services and other leaders to design and promote outreach initiatives—such as seminars, workshops, and events—that strengthen community relationships and support recruitment and engagement.
• Plan and execute major institutional events, including donor gatherings, alumni, and conferences, to elevate the University’s reputation and foster stewardship.

• Provide executive oversight of marketing and communications strategy to support enrollment growth, brand awareness, and institutional advancement.
• Partner with the Enrollment Management Taskforce to co-develop strategies for lead generation, recruitment, and enrollment execution.
• Guide and supervise the Director of Marketing to ensure all strategies, messaging, and initiatives align with institutional goals and brand standards.
• Lead content strategy for the University’s website, publications, and key communications.
• Monitor market trends, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Communicate marketing strategies, performance metrics, and insights to senior leadership.
• Assist the President in managing reputational risk and crisis communications.
• Advocate for the strategic role of marketing and communications in achieving the University’s mission and objectives.

• Advance and embody The King’s Culture by modeling the posture and practices of a Spirit-Formed Leader, Courageous Collaborator, and Gracious Servant in all areas of leadership, decision-making, and engagement.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate Advancement and Marketing staff in a manner that fosters spiritual formation, collaboration, excellence, accountability, and mission alignment.
• Cultivate a team culture marked by trust, clarity, innovation, and shared ownership of the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Support and advance…