Job Description of a Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Universities and nonprofits have institutional advancement offices.

Institutional advancement is the fundraising and marketing arm of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations. Institutional advancement offices are usually in the administrative or executive departments of institutions and are charged with an array of responsibilities that support the institution's mission and provide for stability and growth. The vice president of institutional advancement is responsible for carrying out the broad goals of the advancement office that support the institution.

Institutional Role

The vice president of institutional advancement oversees, to varying degrees, the functions and activities in every department and office of the institution that advance the institution's mission, protect and promote its image, and articulate its vision among employees and in the larger community.

Management and Supervision

Management duties and staff supervision are responsibilities that are integral to the role of the institutional advancement office. The vice president job description usually lists a college degree--often an advanced degree--in nonprofit or business management, public relations, marketing or a related field. Employers may also require supervisory experience. The vice president supervises managers of the institutional advancement office's units, which may include development, alumni relations, public relations, marketing and communications.

Fundraising

Fundraising is probably the most important responsibility of the vice president of institutional advancement. Fundraising supports all aspects of the institution's operations. Employers may require experience working for similar organizations and certification as a fundraising professional to ensure the ability to perform duties such as annual fundraising campaigns, special events and contract management. The job description may list financial management experience and the ability to analyze budgets and financial data.

Communications

Communications is an important part of the institutional advancement role in protecting the institutional image. The job description may call for communication skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additional skills may include producing or editing publications including marketing materials, writing correspondence, and the ability to develop and maintain beneficial relationships with professional colleagues in the institutional advancement field and with individuals from donor communities.

Collaboration and Planning

The vice president for institutional advancement usually reports to the president and board of a nonprofit organization or to the president of an educational institution. The position requires the ability to develop strategies and set goals, requiring the vice president to serve on committees and work with other departments. The vice president leads efforts to produce the institution's annual report to donors and constituents, which describes institution-wide accomplishments, fundraising results and other information.

Compensation

The vice president of institutional advancement typically will earn between $75,000 and $124,000 per year, depending on the applicant's experience and the location of the institution, according to the Salary Expert website.

References

• Loyola University New Orleans Mission Statements: Office of Institutional Advancement
• Meredith College: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
• Technical College System of Georgia Job Descriptions: Vice President of Institutional Advancement
• Salary Expert: Institutional Advancement Vice President Salaries