The Organization
Position Overview
On the heels of the largest, most successful campaign in its history, the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU or Mizzou) seeks two experienced, innovative and collaborative professionals who will serve as key leaders in building a robust and successful Advancement program in the following roles:
The University of Missouri is a public research university in Columbia, Missouri. It is Missouri’s largest university and the flagship of the four-campus University of Missouri System. Founded in 1839, it was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It is a member of the Association of American Universities as well as a land-grant and space-grant institution. MU is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.ˮ Employing 2,170 full-time faculty and enrolling 31,401 students, MU offers over 300 degree programs in 12 major academic divisions.
Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor of Advancement, the AVC for Development will lead 4 direct reports, oversee 75 development professionals and serve as a member of the Vice Chancellor’s leadership team. Implementing industry best practices, the AVC will work in a collective, team-driven environment to visualize, advance, implement and direct a broad range of aspects associated with a comprehensive fundraising program including Collegiate and Regional Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Gifts, Planned Giving and Campaign Planning. The AVC will also maintain a select portfolio of top donors and prospects. The AVC for Development will be an experienced, innovative and donor-centric leader and will elevate the ambitions of the advancement division to the next level.
Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor of Advancement, the AVC for Alumni and Donor Engagement will lead 4 direct reports, oversee 27 team members, and serve as the University of Missouri’s Advancement engagement officer. This professional will be empowered to leverage all aspects of the University to build a robust and creative program of multi-channel engagement to inspire and engage donors at all levels of giving. They will design and implement forward-thinking, innovative, dynamic and donor-relevant programs to recognize and inspire highly engaged and generous donors. Implementing industry best practices, the AVC for Alumni and Donor Engagement will oversee the strategic management, engagement and communication with donors. The AVC will oversee Donor Relations, Annual Giving and Alumni Membership, Alumni and Donor Communication and Marketing teams, including oversight of engagement with volunteer leaders. The AVC will manage these teams to ensure MU has an outstanding stewardship program including high-impact acknowledgement letters, physical donor recognition and fund and endowment reporting. This individual will be an ambassador for stewardship and donor outreach across the university.
How To Apply
Applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the Leadership Profile. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Missouri – Columbia in these searches. Review of applications has begun and will continue until the positions are filled.
Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to WittKieffer consultants Lisa Meyer and Kati Sweaney at:
- Associate Vice Chancellor for Development
MizzouAVCDevelopment@wittkieffer.com
- Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Donor Engagement
MizzouAVCEngagement@wittkieffer.com
The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.