Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Reporting to the University President, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VP, IA) will serve as a key leader in rebuilding and reimagining the key concepts of advancement, and alumni development at Adler University (Chicago, Vancouver, and online). The role will provide strategic guidance and oversee all global, and regional engagement efforts. Primary responsibilities include advancing Adler’s distinct historical and mission-driven identity by deepening engagement with students, alumni, and community partners across the University’s global network.

The VP, IA will be charged with launching new initiatives including, but not limited to: a comprehensive fundraising campaign, staffing enhancements, and an overall redesign of the advancement and alumni functions. This leader will work closely with senior team members, the advancement team, and other key stakeholders to introduce and embed best practices in donor cultivation, alumni engagement, and philanthropic strategy, ensuring alignment with Adler’s mission and long-term institutional goals. 

This position will be responsible for building a team and designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes donor stewardship, major and annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and innovative approaches that leverage strategic communications and emerging and new technologies such as AI. The VP, IA will work closely with the President and Board of Trustees to establish and meet ambitious fundraising goals, identify ways to diversify revenue streams, and build systems that deepen and strengthen relationships across Adler global communities. 

Working alongside other senior leaders, the VP, IA will build unified, strategic, and collaborative approaches to institutional advancement. As one of the key institutional thought leaders, this individual will drive innovation, expand grant opportunities, and position the Office of Institutional Advancement as a vital contributor to the University's growth, sustainability, and social impact. 

Education/Experience 

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in development and/or fundraising within a complex environment required; experience in higher education, non-profit, or a related industry highly preferred. 

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, diversifying revenue streams, and building and leading successful fundraising campaigns. 

• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and local, national and international community partners 

• Experience rebuilding and establishing a new strategic framework for an Office of Institutional Advancement, aligning structure and goals with the university’s long-term vision. 

• Experience managing multi-dimensional fundraising functions within non-profit sectors including, but not limited to grant and donor cultivation, corporate, and foundation relations, and alumni development  

• Proven success in implementing managing and sustaining advancement best practices, including but not limited to best practices, donor management systems, emerging AI technologies, and data-driven decision-making   

• Track record of accomplishments in higher education, including experience working with Boards of Trustees. 

• Familiarity with the intersections of higher education, academic medicine, and health care systems.  

• Prior experience offering strategic guidance and managing global and regional engagement activities 

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the university’s vision and philanthropic priorities. 

• Support and guide the President’s fundraising and engagement activities. 

• Lead major fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns, annual giving, and planned giving programs. 

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. 

• Establish fundraising goals, assess progress, and drive continuous improvement in donor engagement and philanthropic support. 

• Engage university partners in fundraising efforts, including the President, community partners, Board of Trustees, faculty, and institutional leaders. 

Alumni & Community Engagement 

• Oversee alumni relations programs to foster lifelong engagement and support. 

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with corporate, foundation, and community stakeholders. 

• Represent the university at events and community initiatives to enhance visibility and philanthropic outreach. 

• Set and track strategic goals for alumni engagement, global donor cultivation, and philanthropic support in alignment with institutional priorities. 

• Oversee advancement initiatives that serve a globally diverse and growing population of alumni, students, and community partners across Adler’s Chicago and Vancouver campuses. 

Leadership & Team Management 

• Provide strategic direction, motivation, and oversight to the advancement team to ensure high performance and goal achievement. 

• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and staff to integrate advancement efforts with institutional priorities. 

• Engage and support the Board of Trustees and other volunteer leaders in fundraising and constituent engagement activities. 

• Establish and manage the Institutional Advancement office budget and resource allocation. 

Marketing & Communications 

• In partnership with the university marketing and communications team, oversee advancement-related communications, including donor impact reports, campaigns, and messaging strategies. 

• Enhance the university’s brand and philanthropic presence through storytelling, digital engagement, and events. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the university’s fundraising and engagement objectives. 

• Ensure that all advancement activities operate in compliance with university policies and relevant laws and regulations; and 

Characteristics of the Successful Candidate 

• Fundraising & Strategic Leadership: Ability to identify and advance the President’s fundraising priorities and serve as a champion for the university’s comprehensive campaign. 

• Function Design & Strategy Development: Demonstrated experience in building or rebuilding an organizational function, including developing a sustainable framework, staffing model, and long-term strategic plan. 

• Globally-minded, Entrepreneurial & Innovative Thinking: Innate ability to think globally, strategically, drive change, and influence stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally 

• Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership, teamwork, and relationship-building skills with a positive and professional attitude. 

• Project & Resource Management: Proven ability to manage agencies, staff, budgets, and multiple projects efficiently in a fast-paced environment. 

• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Strong visioning, analytical, and problem-solving acumen, with the ability to proactively address challenges. 

• Adaptability & Stakeholder Engagement: Experience navigating dynamic environments, working with internal and external stakeholders, and leveraging influence to drive change. 

• Research & Continuous Improvement: Strong research skills with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and make data-driven recommendations. 

• Travel Ability: Willingness to travel at least 30% with the President and advancement team members. 

Supervision  

The VP, IA will assess and structure the advancement team as necessary to align with the university’s goals.  

Anticipated Salary Range  

$170,000.00-$210,000.00, excluding potential bonuses.

Benefits Overview 

https://publicdocs.adler.edu/Compliance/Faculty_and_Employment_Policies/Employee_Benefits.pdf 

Work Environment (Physical Demands):  The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. 

Institutional Overview 

Adler University is dedicated to advancing social justice and equipping students to lead purposeful lives through its innovative academic programs, rooted in the legacy of Alfred Adler, a pioneer of community psychology. With campuses in Chicago, Vancouver, and online, Adler University fosters a diverse, inclusive learning environment where students gain the skills to become socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities to improve health and well-being. 

Mission, Vision, Values 

https://www.adler.edu/about/#mission   

Adler University’s policy is that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity (EEO) protection. The university does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary : $170,000 - $210,000