Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise seeks an accomplished, energetic and creative Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement to lead a dynamic, successful team in securing financial sustainability and programmatic growth for the College and the constituencies it serves. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement serves as a key member of the Chancellor’s Senior Leadership Team and is an active and invested participant in making strategic decisions affecting the College. In partnership with the Chancellor, the position is responsible for all areas of fundraising and friendraising to advance the college with alumni, friends and community partners. The successful candidate will be a leader in forging relationships to build the College’s visibility, impact, and financial resources and in enhancing its partnership with the University of Virginia, its parent institution.

The Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement reports directly to the Chancellor and will lead the college’s efforts in alumni engagement and fundraising. The Vice Chancellor will oversee all fund raising (annual gifts, major gifts, planned gifts corporate and foundation gifts), alumni engagement, and all campaign and fundraising activities. The Vice Chancellor leads the management, integration, and alignment of all advancement functions including:

• Providing leadership and vision for the function and managing the advancement staff to achieve the College’s fundraising and external relations goals
• Leading and implementing capital campaigns and other fundraising initiatives. Work with the Chancellor and the Senior Leadership Team to determine priorities and secure funding for those priorities.
• Serving as the College’s chief fundraising officer. Manage, develop, staff, organize and execute all fundraising efforts, including capital campaigns as appropriate. Work across campus, statewide and externally to build support for, and institutional involvement in, fundraising. Continue to nurture and build a culture of philanthropy on and off campus.
• Cultivating donors and potential donors to engage and inspire them and to increase their participation in the life of the College personally,professionally, and financially.
• Working with affiliated volunteers and volunteer groups statewide, regionally, and nationally to maintain their interest, information level,engagement, and support. Serve as an external spokesperson for the College at events and meetings as appropriate to educate and inspire broad support. Participate to the fullest extent possible in the public life of the institution by attending College and community events and activities.
• Managing and continuously improving policies, operating procedures,reporting systems, gift accounting and structures to support the development division and to be compliant with all applicable policies
  and state and federal laws. Manage the operations of the division and build an internal culture of teamwork, trust excellence and integrity.
• Serve in an executive roll to the UVA Wise Foundation, Inc. to ensure that best practices are followed for proper management and stewardship to donors.
• Partner with UVA Advancement

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must have a master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience in lieu of a master’s degree. Candidates must also exhibit a thorough knowledge of the full scope of the fundraising process and demonstrated fundraising ability; a record of outstanding interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills; a record of demonstrated sound strategic thinking and execution; a record of experience working with a higher education or not-for-profit community in an official or advisory capacity; a record of demonstrated ability to integrate and lead an advancement program; and a demonstrated ability to work within a high-performing executive leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications

• A distinguished record of accomplishment and institutional development, including experience with a capital campaign
• Commitment to the mission of a public, liberal arts college and the ability to work with a variety of internal and external constituencies
• Experience in effectively recruiting and motivating volunteers
• Strong managerial, interpersonal and communication skills and commitment to maintaining a record of progressive leadership and achievement in fundraising
• Ability to work in a rural region, as well as an urban environment
• A strong commitment to diversity and student success
• High level of personal integrity
• Commitment to maintaining a record of progressive leadership

About The University of Virginia’s College at Wise:

A member of the prestigious Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise is an inspiring place to teach, lead, learn and call home. With a student faculty ratio of 13:1 and 2,086 students, UVA Wise is committed to excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and individual growth, as well as to the advancement of our region through economic development.

The only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville, UVA Wise has a beautiful campus that is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, students learn from faculty who are encouraged to engage in scholarship and service that complements their teaching, and our environment is ideal for the task. In addition to Appalachian arts and culture, on-campus wetlands and impressive geography, and a region full of opportunities for study and outdoor adventure, there are many opportunities to build partnerships with organizations, agencies, and businesses in the area and beyond. Professional staff and a dedicated senior leadership team are driven by the vital mission of ensuring access and affordability to this robust, quality higher education.

The College’s student population is largely first-generation, often rural students, for whom we offer access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well- rounded graduates who earn fulfilling work at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious universities. Because of this, UVA Wise is regularly cited by U.S. News & World Report as a top college in the nation for promoting social mobility.

About the Region/Southwest Virginia

Home to some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, vital natural resources, local music and culture, and flourishing new industries, Southwest Virginia is a welcoming and growing region. 

The College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia, a small town with a rich history. The historic downtown is a short stroll from campus and features many locally owned shops and restaurants. Local farmer’s markets, summer movies in a downtown glade, a weekly food truck rodeo and local festivals round out the variety of offerings in Wise. Just beyond Wise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you love hiking, canoeing and camping or shopping local boutiques and enjoying delicious food and drink with friends.

Wise is located approximately an hour from the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee, which includes Bristol, Va./Tenn., home to both the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music, the organization that hosts the internationally renowned Rhythm and Roots festival each year. The Tri-Cities region boasts an international airport, the Barter Theatre, South Holston Lake, and more amenities including a wide array of shopping, dining, arts and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and more!

Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries

Academic Search is partnering with UVA Wise in this search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant, Lisa Ryan: lisa.ryan@academicsearch.org

Nominations and inquiries can be sent to UVAWiseVCD@academicsearch.org. Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations to the email above. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, position, employer, and email address. Academic Search will notify people of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.

To apply, candidates should submit: 

1. A detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, expressing their interest in this position and addressing how they meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in this profile. 

2. A current curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments. Application documents should be submitted to Academic Search.

Search Timeline

For full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit their application materials by January 11, 2027. The Vice Chancellor for Advancement & Alumni Engagement has an expected start date of June 2027.

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.