Job Description

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Muskingum University invites applications and nominations for its next Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

OVERVIEW OF MUSKINGUM UNIVERSITY 

Muskingum University is a comprehensive, liberal arts institution located in New Concord, in southeastern Ohio. Founded in 1837, the University has a long tradition of preparing students to lead meaningful and productive lives through rigorous academic preparation, experiential learning, and strong personal mentorship.

Located on a scenic 200-acre campus, Muskingum enrolls approximately 2,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and adult programs. The University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, as well as graduate programs and professional degrees.  Many students are the first in their families to attend college, and a significant portion come from rural Appalachian communities. The University places strong emphasis on access, affordability, and student success. Muskingum’s mission reflects this commitment:

Muskingum University prepares a continuum of learners to think critically, excel professionally, grow personally, and contribute ethically to our changing world. 

The University’s academic programs emphasize critical thinking, communication, experiential learning, and professional preparation. Signature initiatives such as the Impact Center, the PLUS Program for students with learning differences, and the Fellows Program for public service and leadership create opportunities for students to develop both intellectual and practical skills.

Muskingum is entering a new chapter as it prepares to welcome its 22nd President in July 2026. Building on recent strategic initiatives and a strong spirit of community engagement, the University is well positioned to build philanthropic momentum.

THE OPPORTUNITY  

Muskingum University seeks a Vice President for Institutional Advancement to join the senior leadership team and play a central role in shaping the University’s philanthropic future.

Muskingum has a deeply loyal alumni base, a compelling mission centered on access and student success, and strong ties to the communities of southeastern Ohio. At the same time, the University has a strong foundation to enhance its advancement infrastructure and realize additional philanthropic potential.

The next Vice President will work closely with the President and the Board of Trustees to strengthen Muskingum’s culture of philanthropy and build a modern advancement operation capable of sustaining long-term growth.

The role requires both strategic vision and operational leadership. The Vice President will shape the University’s fundraising strategy while also building the systems, relationships, and practices necessary for consistent success.

PHILANTHROPY CONTEXT 

Muskingum University operates with an annual operating budget of approximately $43 million and an endowment of roughly $95 million, with about one-third of the endowment funds unrestricted. 

Philanthropy is an increasingly important component of the University’s long-term financial strategy. In FY2025 Muskingum raised $6.4 million, including approximately $1.2 million in annual fund support. 

The University currently has more than 17,000 contactable alumni, many of whom maintain strong connections to Muskingum and its mission. Alumni participation in giving has been steadily increasing, reflecting growing engagement with the institution. 

Several important philanthropic opportunities are already underway. A current campaign to renovate the Boyd Science Center has secured over $6.5 million to date, and University recently received a $1 million gift for updates to Brown Chapel. Other successful fundraising initiatives include support for innovative programming, scholarships, and scholarly activities. 

Muskingum’s advancement operation is currently led by an interim vice president and supported by a dedicated team. The incoming Vice President will have the opportunity to assess the current operation, strengthen systems and strategy, and help define the next phase of the University’s fundraising efforts.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT 

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will help advance Muskingum’s strategic goals by focusing on several key priorities:

• Strengthening a Culture of Philanthropy
  The University seeks to build a broader understanding of philanthropy as a central part of advancing its mission. The Vice President will help cultivate this culture among alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and friends of the University.
• Modernizing Advancement Infrastructure
  The University seeks to build on recent investment in its advancement systems, prospect development processes, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship practices.
• Expanding Major and Principal Gifts
  The University is positioned to grow its base of major donors. The Vice President will identify and cultivate individuals capable of transformational support in collaboration with the major gifts team. 
• Deepening Alumni Engagement
  Muskingum’s alumni network represents a powerful source of connection, advocacy, and philanthropic support. Strengthening alumni engagement will be a central focus.
• Advancing Institutional Priorities
  The Vice President will help align philanthropic support with institutional goals, including academic innovation, student success initiatives, and campus development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement reports to the President and serves as a member of the senior leadership team. Key responsibilities include:

Advancement Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Provide leadership for development, alumni relations, and donor stewardship functions.
• Establish clear fundraising goals, performance metrics, and operational expectations.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Partner closely with the President in cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts.
• Manage a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.

Campaign Planning 

• Lead readiness planning for future campaigns.
• Coordinate campaign strategy with the President, senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees.

Advancement Operations

• Strengthen systems for prospect management, donor data, and gift stewardship.
• Build clear pipelines for major gift development and donor engagement.
• Ensure effective collaboration between advancement and communications efforts.

Alumni and Community Engagement

• Expand meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni.
• Partner with volunteer leaders and the Alumni Council to advance philanthropic priorities.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing advancement team.
• Foster a collaborative culture within the advancement division and across campus.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will serve as a close strategic partner to the President. This partnership will include joint engagement with major donors, collaboration on campaign planning, and alignment of fundraising strategy with the University’s academic and strategic priorities.

The Vice President will also work closely with members of the senior leadership team, including leaders responsible for external engagement, academic affairs, enrollment management, marketing and communications, finance and operations, the student experience and athletics. 

These collaborations will ensure that philanthropic support is aligned with Muskingum’s mission and institutional priorities as well as expanding the reach of the advancement staff. 

THE FIRST 18 MONTHS 

The Vice President will be expected to make meaningful progress in the first 18 months. Likely priorities include the following. Each is important, but success will depend on thoughtful sequencing and putting the right foundations in place to support sustained, long-term growth.

• Assess and Strengthen the Advancement Operation
  Conduct a comprehensive review of the current advancement structure, staffing, systems, and donor pipeline. Identify opportunities to strengthen operational effectiveness and strategic focus.
• Develop a Multi-Year Advancement Strategy
  Working with the President and senior leadership team, develop a clear advancement strategy that includes goals for annual giving, major gifts, campaign planning, and alumni engagement.
• Build a Stronger Major Gift Pipeline
  Identify top prospects and establish cultivation strategies for individuals capable of major and principal gifts.
• Strengthen Alumni Engagement
  Work with alumni leaders and volunteers to expand opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the University and support its mission.
• Position the University for Campaign Readiness
  Evaluate Muskingum’s readiness for future campaigns and begin building the structures necessary to support successful efforts.
• Strengthen Board Engagement in Philanthropy
  Partner with the President to expand trustee engagement in fundraising and philanthropic advocacy.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS 

Muskingum seeks a Vice President who brings both strategic insight and demonstrated success in advancement leadership. Preferred qualifications include:

• Leadership experience in university advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or a related field.
• A record of success in securing major and principal gifts.
• Experience leading or contributing to comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Strong understanding of advancement operations and fundraising strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following leadership qualities:

• Strategic thinker who can translate institutional priorities into philanthropic opportunities.
• Skilled relationship builder with donors, alumni, and community partners.
• Collaborative leader who works effectively across campus.
• Clear and authentic communicator.
• Commitment to Muskingum’s mission of access and student success.
• Ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm among stakeholders.

APPLICATION OR NOMINATION PROCESS

Applications should include a cover letter that addresses interest in the position and relevant qualifications, along with a current resume or curriculum vitae.  Applications are welcomed via email to careers@muskingum.eduand will be processed as confidential.  Please include the position title in the subject line of your email.

This position will remain open until filled, with review of candidates to begin on May 4, 2026.

Confidential inquiries and nominations may be sent to Holly Gleason, Associate Vice President for Human Relations & Risk Management, at hgleason@muskingum.edu. 

Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse viewpoints in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University.  Muskingum University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all individuals.

Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities.  Please visit https://www.muskingum.edu/non-discrimination-statementto review the university’s official non-discrimination statement.

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