Vice President Institutional Advancement

Institution Overview

Founded in 1894, The University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research and doctoral-granting institution located in a vibrant metropolitan area of 1.1 million residents. TU is known for academic rigor and excellence, small class sizes, a deep commitment to student success and NCAA Division I athletics. The university offers more than 130 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a beautiful 209-acre campus, supported by an endowment of approximately $1 billion.

The VPIA will reimagine how a contemporary advancement operation works—pairing data, technology, and disciplined pipeline management with the relationship-driven craft of major gift fundraising. The VPIA will lead and develop a high-performing team equipped for that future. The portfolio centers on development, principal and major private gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and advancement operations with strong collaborative relationships across all constituent-facing units.

The Vice President will be a highly visible executive in one of America’s most vibrant and philanthropically generous communities, serving as a key partner to its industries, civic institutions, and foundations.

As the University’s chief development officer, the VPIA cultivates and prioritizes meaningful relationships with donors, alumni partners, corporations, foundations, and community stakeholders to secure resources that advance institutional priorities. The VPIA leads and develops a high-performing advancement team, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration and accountability.

This role requires a relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to secure transformational gifts, build meaningful partnerships, and advance institutional goals on a local, national, and global scale.

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment Set and execute a bold, multi-year advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and translate the University’s vision into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Principal & Major Gifts Lead by example in securing transformational gifts, managing a portfolio of high-level prospects. Build and sustain relationships with major donors, corporations, and foundations while driving measurable growth in revenue and donor engagement.

Advancement Innovation & Operations Modernize advancement through data, technology, and digital engagement. Implement best-in-class systems, analytics, and processes to strengthen pipeline management, reporting, and organizational effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations Design and execute comprehensive engagement strategies across donors, alumni, parents, and partners. Collaborate with academic and institutional leaders to align donor interests with strategic priorities.

Civic Leadership & Community Presence Serve as a visible ambassador, strengthening the University’s role across business, civic, and philanthropic communities while building strategic partnerships that enhance institutional impact.

Team Leadership & Talent Development Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing advancement team. Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, innovation, and continuous professional growth.

Bachelor’s degree required with a demonstrated record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts and delivering measurable fundraising growth; minimum of 10 years of experience leading advancement or revenue-generating functions, including team leadership and operational modernization; strong proficiency with CRM systems, analytics, and digital engagement tools; exceptional communication skills and executive presence, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and community leaders. Preferred: advanced degree or certifications;

campaign planning and execution experience; background in higher education or similarly complex sectors; and familiarity with or ability to quickly establish relationships within the Tulsa business and philanthropic community.

The University of Tulsa is a student‑centered…