Vice President For Institutional Advancement

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU, Central) is seeking applications for the full-time position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement, who will also serve as the Executive Director for the University’s Foundation. We are looking for a highly entrepreneurial, dynamic, and articulate individual with experience in corporate or community relations and foundation management. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in expanding our prospect base to ensure the continued growth of The CCSU Foundation, Inc. and its nearly $100 million endowment. As we recently celebrated 175 years of academic excellence and innovation, we invite you to be a part of our mission at Central. Explore the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the broader community.

ABOUT CENTRAL’S OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Division of Institutional Advancement is responsible for an integrated, comprehensive external relations program including alumni affairs, constituent relations, community and business relations, and university development. We are committed to fostering educational excellence and advancement to drive the growth and success of the institution.

Central’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, resource allocation, and the finalization of its new strategic plan leaves it well positioned for the future. Its current operating budget is approximately $220 million and as of the June 30, 2024, Audited Financial Statements, the University had unrestricted reserves of approximately $90.2 million. It has ended the past several years with operating budget surpluses. Funding from the State provides approximately 39 percent of its revenue; gross tuition and mandatory fees provide 47 percent. The CCSU Foundation assets are approximately $104 million as of October 2024, the largest of Connecticut’s regional comprehensive universities. In-state tuition and mandatory fees for 2024-2025 total $13,050; room and board are $13,086.

The institutional advancement effort at Central is well established with an engaged Foundation Board. The top fundraising priority for the University has been the growth of the endowment, which has steadily increased with each year featuring an increased giving target goal. Its success has enabled the Foundation to increase its scholarship support to students to over $2.8 million. Central has 92,000 living alumni, 78 percent of whom live in Connecticut. The Alumni Association Board is active and has effective leadership, and the affection for Central by its alumni is palpable. The alumni have a three percent participation rate in university fundraising.

POSITION PROFILE

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement is a leadership position that reports directly to the University President and serves as a member of the Executive Committee. The successful incumbent will provide vision, leadership, oversight, planning, assessment, and management of all aspects of development to advance Central’s mission, including academic, community, corporate, and alumni relations. This position will oversee the operations of the following : CCSU Foundation, Inc., Alumni Affairs, Institutional Advancement, and Advancement Services. The primary emphasis of this position will be diversification of revenue sources for the University.

The incumbent will ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Board of Regents, and Central fundraising and ethics laws, regulations, and policies. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and some travel.

EVALUATIVE CRITERIA

Applicant profiles and supplementary materials will be evaluated for appointment based on the following :

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education : All applicants must possess a Master’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, law, or similar field.

Experience and Training :

• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional managerial experience in leading teams of professional staff in fundraising, foundation affairs, and / or not-for-profit management.
• Proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrated track record of successful major gift fundraising and building productive internal and external partnerships and private foundation operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage an organization in fundraising, relationship building, and partnership development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage funds, property, or other assets with integrity and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and embrace change in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to be a collaborative team member; effectively manage professional, managerial, and support staff, and apply sound principles in human resource management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of development, fundraising, not-for-profit, and alumni relations principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial, property, and other asset procurement and management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to interpret relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Preference will be given to applicants with the following :

TO APPLY

To begin the application process, select the apply button and electronically submit the following documents by January 15, 2025 :

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. E-mailed and mailed applications will not be accepted. Please redact any personally identifiable information (i.e., Social Security Number, date of birth, marital status, country of origin) from any documents submitted.

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