Job description

Louisville, KY

Position Overview:

The Senior Vice President for Advancement and Development serves as the chief architect of Simmons College of Kentucky’s fundraising and resource development initiatives. This executive leader is responsible for designing and executing innovative strategies to secure financial support that advances the mission and sustainability of the institution. Through donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and community engagement, the Senior Vice President will ensure Simmons possesses the financial resources necessary to thrive as a premier Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

As an institution committed to education, equity, and opportunity for Black students, Simmons College of Kentucky requires strategic, visionary leadership in advancement to support and expand its impact. This position is instrumental in communicating the college’s vision to stakeholders and rallying collective support from various constituencies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Design, implement, and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations.
• Develop and execute innovative campaigns to secure financial support, including the college’s endowment and capital campaigns.
• Serve as the lead strategist for major institutional funding initiatives and high-impact projects.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, corporations, and philanthropic organizations to support Simmons College’s financial needs.

2. Institutional Advancement and Donor Relations:

• Establish and sustain long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni, community leaders, corporations, philanthropic foundations, and government entities.
• Develop and oversee donor stewardship programs to ensure continued engagement and investment in Simmons College.
• Lead efforts to secure transformational gifts that align with the college’s strategic goals.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners to create compelling cases for support.

3. Leadership and Staff Development:

• Provide visionary leadership and direction for the Advancement and Development Department, ensuring high levels of staff productivity and professional growth.
• Build and maintain a high-performing advancement team through mentorship, professional development, and clear performance metrics.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the division.

4. Strategic Communication and External Engagement:

• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for Simmons College, articulating its mission, vision, and impact to diverse audiences.
• Develop communication strategies that effectively convey the importance of philanthropy and investment in the institution.
• Engage in high-level networking to expand the institution’s donor base and strategic partnerships.
• Represent the college at national and local events to strengthen its presence and fundraising efforts.

5. Compliance and Financial Stewardship:

• Ensure fundraising initiatives align with legal, ethical, and financial compliance standards.
• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to develop financial projections, budgetary needs, and fundraising goals.
• Monitor and assess fundraising effectiveness through data-driven decision-making and reporting.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, or development.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts, developing strategic donor engagement plans, and leading successful capital campaigns.
• Strong experience in donor relations, corporate partnerships, and foundation fundraising.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a high-performing advancement team.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling fundraising proposals and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, business leaders, community organizations, and alumni.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a passion for advancing Black education and equity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading fundraising initiatives at an HBCU or similar minority-serving institution.
• Familiarity with grant writing and securing governmental funding.
• Knowledge of best practices in nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, and capital campaign management.

Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set a vision and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain donor, corporate, and community relationships.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and fundraising analytics.
• Communication Excellence: Ability to craft compelling messages and deliver presentations to various stakeholders.
• Results-Driven: Proven ability to meet and exceed fundraising goals and benchmarks.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and with external partners to drive advancement initiatives.
• Innovation: Ability to develop and implement creative fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Capacity to navigate challenges and drive forward progress in a dynamic environment.
• Team Leadership: Ability to build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team while fostering professional growth.
• Performance Management: Expertise in setting performance goals, evaluating staff effectiveness, and implementing strategies for continuous improvement.

Work Environment & Expectations:

• This is a full-time executive leadership position requiring occasional evening and weekend commitments for fundraising events and donor engagements.
• Some travel is required to meet with donors, corporate partners, and stakeholders.
• Must be a highly motivated, results-driven individual capable of working independently and collaboratively to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

basis until the position is filled.

Simmons College of Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals committed to advancing the mission of HBCUs and Black education.

Simmons College of Kentucky is committed to an environment at work that allows for diversity amongst employees.
The following values are of particular relevance to diversity and human resource policies in the College:
• Merit-based employment
• Non-discrimination and diversity
• Fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace, and
• Equity in employment
The College has put in place measures to:
• Help prevent all forms of discrimination whether direct or indirect, consistent with Commonwealth Law, and
• Recognize the positive advantages of, and help make the best of, diversity in the workplace and the Louisville community

We also assist employees to balance their work, family and other caring responsibilities effectively by encouraging the development of mutually beneficial work practices.
The workplace diversity program includes measures directed at ensuring that:
• Corporate, business and human resource plans demonstrate that we value the diverse backgrounds of our employees, and are able to access and make use of the diverse skills and experience of our employees
• Workplace structures, systems and procedures help employees balance their work, family and other caring responsibilities effectively
• Employment decisions take account of the diversity of the Louisville community as well as the College’s organizational and business goals and the skills required for the job, and
• Employment decisions are transparent, equitable and procedurally fair

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling