Vice President for the Office of Institutional Advancement

The Vice President for the Office of Institutional Advancement (VPOIA) serves as the Colleges Chief Advancement Officer and a member of the Presidents Cabinet, reporting directly to the President. This executive leader provides strategic vision and oversight for an integrated advancement enterprise that strengthens philanthropic support, deepens engagement, and advances the Colleges long-term financial sustainability and reputation.

In close partnership with the President and Board of Directors, the Vice President serves as a key advisor on fundraising strategy and external relations. The VPOIA fosters a culture of philanthropy across the College community and positions institutional leadership for fundraising success.

The Vice President oversees all advancement functions, including annual giving (Griffin Fund), major and principal gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, government relations, alumni relations, stewardship, special events, and advancement operations. The VPOIA maintains an active portfolio of high-capacity prospects and leads strategies to expand and diversify the donor base.

This highly visible role requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader with the credibility to engage trustees, alumni, donors, and community partners. Significant external engagement, travel, and evening/weekend participation are expected.

About Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College, founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, is an independent, Catholic institution that strives to foster equality through holistic education within a strong liberal arts tradition. The mission of the College is dedicated to promoting the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person.The College combines academic excellence with individualized learning experiences. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary programs, and experiential learning opportunities, the College prepares students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve their communities. Located in Chestnut Hillone of Northwest Philadelphias most charming neighborhoodsthe school serves a culturally diverse student body.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the Colleges strategic plan.
• Lead and integrate all fundraising initiatives, including annual, major, principal, planned, and campaign giving.
• Cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts while managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee advancement operations, including CRM/database management, analytics, reporting, and performance measurement.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing advancement team with clear goals and accountability. Partner with Strategic Marketing and Communications to articulate a compelling case for support and enhance donor engagement.
• Manage the Institutional Advancement budget and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
• Provide regular updates and performance reports to the President and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a strategic, entrepreneurial advancement leader with demonstrated success in comprehensive fundraising and team leadership, and a strong commitment to mission-driven education.

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• 1012 years of progressively responsible advancement experience, including senior-level leadership responsibility.
• Proven success in securing major and principal gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement integrated fundraising strategies.
• Experience engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders. Strong executive presence with exceptional written, verbal, and analytical skills. Proficiency with advancement CRM systems (Raisers Edge NXT preferred) and data-informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the Colleges Mission and Core Values, including a shared dedication to inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.

Leadership Profile

• Strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Skilled at building relationships and inspiring philanthropic investment.
• Effective mentor and team builder.
• Credible ambassador with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders at the highest levels.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We arecommitted to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.

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