Position:Vice President for University Advancement
Location: Howell, MI
Job Id:118
# of Openings:0
Vice President for University Advancement
Position Summary:Cleary University, a rapidly growing, student-centered institution in southeast Michigan, seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to serve as its Vice President for University Advancement (VP). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President's Cabinet, the VP is responsible for building and leading an integrated advancement program to support the university's strategic priorities and transformational goals.The VP will provide bold leadership in fundraising, community engagement, foundation and grant development, corporate partnerships, and marketing and communications. They will bring strategic thinking, authentic relationship-building, and a results-oriented approach to creating sustainable philanthropic support for Cleary's students, academic programs, athletics, and institutional initiatives.The VP supervises a small but growing Advancement team, working closely with other partners across the university to maximize impact. This position is based at Cleary's Howell, Michigan campus, with flexibility for limited regional travel and remote work options.
Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the university's chief advancement officer, responsible for the strategy, execution, and success of all fundraising and engagement efforts.
- Lead the development and implementation of Cleary's first integrated advancement strategy, aligning philanthropy with institutional vision and growth.
- Collaborate with the President and Board of Trustees to develop advancement goals aligned with the university's strategic plan.
- Serve as a key ambassador for Cleary University, representing the institution to external stakeholders, alumni, and the broader community.
- Identify and promote key philanthropic opportunities related to the university's strategic priorities, including the Secunda Museum, Cleary Athletics, the upcoming campus master plan, and corporate partnerships (e.g., Trinity Health, Lake Trust Credit Union).
- Personally manage a portfolio of top prospective donors and cultivate relationships with alumni, parents, foundations, and corporations.
- Assist the President in managing a portfolio of top prospective donors
- Oversee and expand the university's efforts in foundation relations and grant development, building a robust pipeline of external funding.
- Lead the planning and successful completion of the university's first comprehensive capital campaign.
- Partner with faculty, cabinet members, and institutional stakeholders to identify funding priorities and build compelling cases for support.
- Coordinate closely with Athletics to align and elevate athletic fundraising, ensuring it supports both advancement goals and athletic program growth.
Alumni & Community Engagement
- Liaise with the Director of Career Development and Alumni Affairs to build cohesive strategies that increase alumni pride, loyalty, and participation.
- Collaborate on programming and communications while exploring future opportunities to integrate alumni affairs more fully within advancement.
- Expand Cleary's presence in key markets including Detroit, Southeast Michigan, Florida, and Arizona.
- Build strong partnerships with civic, philanthropic, and corporate organizations that support Cleary's mission.
- Convert Cleary's growing database, successful event track record, and donor communications into increased alumni activation and giving.
Marketing & Communications
- Supervise alumni marketing and communications in coordination with Cleary's Director of Marketing to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms.
- Collaborate with Enrollment and Academic Affairs to align branding and storytelling with institutional goals.
- Enhance Cleary's visibility and reputation through strategic media, digital, and content initiatives.
Organizational Management
- Build and mentor a high-performing advancement team, with flexibility to grow the department as strategic direction and outcomes mature.
- Establish systems for data-driven planning, reporting, and performance metrics.
- Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, CRM/database management, and compliance.
Qualifications and Experience:- A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in advancement or a related field (nonprofit leadership, fundraising, alumni relations, or strategic communications).
- Proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional teams and advancing a mission through collaboration.
- Experience with grant development and foundation engagement is strongly preferred.
- A passion for higher education and a personal commitment to student success, access, and innovation.
- Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and political acumen.
Why This Role at Cleary?This is a rare opportunity to join a nimble, growing institution at a moment of energy and momentum. The VP will have the full support of a visionary president, an ambitious Board, and a deeply committed leadership team. With a compelling mission, expanding national footprint, and a bold strategic vision, Cleary University is poised for an era of transformative philanthropy—and the VP will be at the heart of that story.
About Cleary University:Founded in 1883, Cleary University is an independent, not-for-profit, business-focused university that serves students across Michigan and beyond through flexible, career-centered education. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs, Cleary has gained national attention for its work with adult learners, public safety professionals, first-generation students, and early college pathways.Cleary has experienced its most successful financial year ever, launched new academic programs in technology and healthcare, opened the Secunda Museum of Art and Design, and dramatically expanded partnerships with police and fire departments across the country. Cleary is known for its student-first culture, personalized attention, and commitment to practical, values-driven leadership development.
Application Instructions:Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.Cleary University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr