Job description
The University of Tulsa is pleased to announce a national search for Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA). The VPIA will be a people-centered, entrepreneurial and results-driven senior leader equipped to modernize and transform the institution’s resource-raising enterprise. The VPIA will combine analytical instincts with the warmth and authenticity that great fundraising—and great community partnerships—require.
This is a special opportunity to help shape the future of The University of Tulsa, as it embarks on its next chapter. Serving as a partner to incoming President Stacy Leeds, the successful candidate will be committed to innovation, operational excellence and transparency.
The VPIA will build and execute a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy to fuel the University’s bold ambitions around academic excellence, an exceptional student experience, and optimizing research and community impact. This is a highly visible role measured by the breadth and quality of institutional and broader community partnerships, including new public-private partnerships. The VPIA will significantly contribute to the shared successes and vitality of the University, the vibrant City of Tulsa, and many inspiring philanthropic partners and investors.
The successful candidate will be a visionary yet pragmatic leader who is ambitious in setting clear direction, disciplined in execution, and generous in respecting and developing others.
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 collaborate 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, foundation, 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.
Key Responsibilities (Summary)
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.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
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
About Us
The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. Guided by our commitment to service and inclusion, we prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to our campus, our community, and our world.
The University endeavors to create and nurture an informed and inclusive environment in its workplace and educational programs. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are integral parts of the University not just because they are legally mandated, but because we recognize that the present and future strength of the university is based primarily on people and their skills, experience, and potential. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University seeks to recruit, select, and promote students, faculty, and all other employees on the basis of individual merit.
How to apply
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until filled. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, current CV or resume, and contact information for five professional references
