Job Title: Vice President for the Office of Institutional Advancement
Job Location: Main Campus, Chestnut Hill, PA
Reports to: College President
Status/Hours: Full Time, Exempt, Permanent, 40 hours per week
Shift: Days 9am-5pm, Nights/Weekends as required
The Vice President for the Office of Institutional Advancement (VPOIA) serves as the College’s Chief Advancement Officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet, reporting directly to the President. This executive leader provides strategic vision and oversight for an integrated advancement enterprise that strengthens philanthropic support, deepens engagement, and advances the College’s long-term financial sustainability and reputation.
In close partnership with the President and Board of Directors, the Vice President serves as a key advisor on fundraising strategy and external relations. The VPOIA fosters a culture of philanthropy across the College community and positions institutional leadership for fundraising success.
The Vice President oversees all advancement functions, including annual giving (Griffin Fund), major and principal gifts, comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, government relations, alumni relations, stewardship, special events, and advancement operations. The VPOIA maintains an active portfolio of high-capacity prospects and leads strategies to expand and diversify the donor base.
This highly visible role requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader with the credibility to engage trustees, alumni, donors, and community partners. Significant external engagement, travel, and evening/weekend participation are expected.
About Chestnut Hill College
Chestnut Hill College, founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, is an independent, Catholic institution that strives to foster equality through holistic education within a strong liberal arts tradition. The mission of the College is dedicated to promoting the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. The College combines academic excellence with individualized learning experiences. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary programs, and experiential learning opportunities, the College prepares students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve their communities. Located in Chestnut Hill – one of Northwest Philadelphia’s most charming neighborhoods – the school serves a culturally diverse student body.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the College’s strategic plan.
- Lead and integrate all fundraising initiatives, including annual, major, principal, planned, and campaign giving.
- Cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts while managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects.
- Strengthen and expand relationships with alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
- Oversee advancement operations, including CRM/database management, analytics, reporting, and performance measurement.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing advancement team with clear goals and accountability.
- Partner with Strategic Marketing and Communications to articulate a compelling case for support and enhance donor engagement.
- Manage the Institutional Advancement budget and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
- Provide regular updates and performance reports to the President and Board of Directors.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a strategic, entrepreneurial advancement leader with demonstrated success in comprehensive fundraising and team leadership, and a strong commitment to mission-driven education.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- 10–12 years of progressively responsible advancement experience, including senior-level leadership responsibility.
- Proven success in securing major and principal gifts.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement integrated fundraising strategies.
- Experience engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong executive presence with exceptional written, verbal, and analytical skills.
- Proficiency with advancement CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred) and data-informed decision-making.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the College’s Mission and Core Values, including a shared dedication to inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.
Leadership Profile
- Strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented.
- Skilled at building relationships and inspiring philanthropic investment.
- Effective mentor and team builder.
- Credible ambassador with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders at the highest levels.
