Job description
North Canton, OH
The Vice President of Advancement is a key member of the President’s Executive Council and is responsible for advancing the mission and strategic goals of Stark State College, which serves approximately 13,000 students annually. The Vice President leads the College’s comprehensive advancement strategy, overseeing private fundraising, alumni relations, grants, government relations, marketing, and public relations. The Vice President also serves as Executive Director of the College’s 501(c)(3) Foundation and assists the President with governmental and legislative relations, and other duties, as needed. Local and regional travel for donor visits, community engagement, and legislative relations. Evening and weekend work is required.
Who We Are
Stark State College is a student-centered, accessible, and affordable public college serving approximately 13,000 students annually. With a mission deeply rooted in student access and success, we strive to build a strong, future-ready workforce and vibrant communities.
You Will Be a Great Fit If You Have:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution; strong candidates with a bachelor’s degree and proven successful experience may be considered (business, communications, or a related field preferred)
- At least seven years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, or related fields, preferably in higher education
- A successful track record in donor relations, grant development, and foundation management
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire cross-functional collaboration
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
- Experience with donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and grants management
- A commitment to innovation and student-centered leadership
Responsibilities Include:
- Serving as Executive Director of the Stark State College Foundation.
- Designing and executing development strategies, including major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns.
- Leading fundraising, alumni relations, grants, marketing, public relations, and government affairs.
- Maintaining a strong presence in Summit and Stark counties, representing and advocating for the College.
- Supporting legislative outreach and advocating for public policy aligned with the College’s priorities.
- Contributing to executive leadership decisions and college-wide strategic planning.
- Representing the College to donors, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners.
- Building a high-performing advancement team that embraces innovation and results.
- Local and regional travel for donor visits, community engagement, and legislative relations. Evening and weekend work is required.
Why Join Us?
As a leader at Stark State, you will be part of a collaborative team driving real change for students and the broader community. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of our institution and create a lasting impact through innovative fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy.
The full job description can be viewed here. Stark State College offers a competitive salary and benefits package, with compensation commensurate with education and experience.
Click here to view the outstanding benefits you can expect from Stark State College:
Full-time employees can expect excellent medical, dental & vision coverage; paid life and AD&D insurance; state pension/retirement (OPERS/STRS); paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays; paid Stark State tuition, tuition reimbursement, and employee assistance programThe work you do at Stark State will matter to the thousands of students who walk through our doors and eventually cross the commencement stage on their journey to a better tomorrow. Join us and learn how your aspirations can be part of a better future for them – and you.
We love meeting stellar candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply.
