Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Campaign Operations

Job no: 495176
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN
Categories: Administrative/Professional

Job Title: Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Campaign Operations

Reporting Relationship: Vice President for University Advancement

Unit: Central Administration

Department: University Advancement - Central Administration

Campus Location: John Wesley Admin Building, Marion, IN

Summary of Position: The Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Campaign Operations (AVPUACO) serves as the chief operational advisor to the Vice President for University Advancement. This position provides leadership for departmental operations, project management, advancement services, and organizational effectiveness. The AVPUACO serves as a key member of the Advancement leadership team, ensuring alignment across all functional areas of Advancement and promoting efficient processes, effective communication, and accountability to departmental goals.

The AVPUACO acts on behalf of the Vice President as delegated and serves as a trusted advisor on operational, strategic, and organizational matters.

*** NOTE: Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at [email protected]. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will not be contacted until later in the search process.***

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Administration
  • Serve as strategic advisor to the Vice President for University Advancement
  • Coordinate initiatives that span multiple Advancement functions and campus partners
  • Identify operational risks, opportunities, and process improvements to support departmental effectiveness
  • Provide analysis, recommendations, and strategic insight to ensure alignment with and execution of key Advancement priorities and initiatives
  • Represent the Vice President in meetings and projects as assigned
• Advancement Operations & Governance
  • Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and workflows across Advancement
  • Oversee departmental project management systems
• Data Strategy & Performance Management
  • Oversee the use of data, reporting, and analytics to support strategic decision-making, ensuring Advancement leaders have access to meaningful performance metrics and analysis
  • Provide strategic oversight of the annual giving program, including establishing performance metrics, monitoring results, and ensuring alignment with overall fundraising strategy and institutional priorities
  • Monitor and analyze fundraising, stewardship, engagement, and operational metrics to support organizational effectiveness
  • Oversee management of donor files and database structure to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the development team
  • Monitor and analyze data related to gift officer activity, donor base, and donor engagement to maximize performance across the full fundraising cycle
• Advancement Operations Team Leadership
  • Hire, orient, train, coach, and evaluate performance of Advancement Operations personnel, building a culture of excellence where each team member is inspired to achieve their highest potential and to encourage colleagues to do likewise
  • Develop, implement, and oversee position objectives, strategies, and tactics for Advancement Operations staff, establishing measurable goals for each position and tracking progress on a monthly and annual basis
  • Coach staff individually and collectively to address performance challenges, recognize and reward strong performance and teamwork, and proactively address ongoing performance or team culture concerns
  • Oversee efforts of the Advancement Services team by working closely with the director to ensure that all unit functions operate at a highly effective level
• Campaign Operations
  • Provide strategic leadership for all campaign operations, systems, and infrastructure to ensure successful achievement of fundraising goals
  • Serve as the operational architect for campaign planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement
  • Lead enterprise-wide fundraising analytics, reporting, and data governance to support informed decision-making and campaign accountability
  • Direct prospect development, portfolio strategy, and pipeline management to maximize philanthropic opportunity and campaign outcomes
  • Ensure excellence in gift administration, campaign counting, compliance, and stewardship practices
  • Partner with advancement leadership, volunteers, and institutional stakeholders to align campaign execution with the organization's strategic priorities
• Institutional Engagement and Culture
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among the UA team and the IWU community
  • Demonstrate commitment to IWU values of Kindness, Humility, Belonging, Integrity, Courage, Innovation, and Agility
  • Model high-impact hospitality in all interactions with donors, guests, constituents, and students, going the extra mile to deliver service and communication with excellence
• Professional Growth
  • Participate in training seminars and conferences for ongoing professional development in communication and operations management related to Advancement
  • Stay informed of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in Advancement operations, data strategy, and organizational effectiveness
• Supervisory Responsibility
  • The Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Campaign Operations provides direct supervision to the Director of Annual Giving, Assistant Director of Advancement Research and Relationship Management, and Director of Advancement Services. The AVPUACO provides oversight of advancement services operations, annual giving, and prospect research and management functions. In addition, during periods when the Vice President for University Advancement is unavailable due to travel or other circumstances, the AVPUACO may assist in providing oversight of other Advancement personnel, as needed.

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Possess an earned graduate degree or substantial work experience in Advancement Operations leadership position(s)

Experience

• Possess five to seven (5-7) years of experience in project and operations management and data reporting within the context of higher education and/or non-profit fundraising
• Possess experience working within a comprehensive campaign

Required Skills

• Demonstrate ability to work with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution styles
• Demonstrate an understanding of the features of various fundraising efforts, donor expectations, and delivery of quality communication through various platforms
• Exhibit the ability to lead a team and inspire its highest level of performance
• Demonstrate exceptional writing and interpersonal skills

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Advertised: 06 Aug 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 27 Sep 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time

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