VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA

POSITION SPECIFICATION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Shenandoah University is seeking a well-rounded, experienced, advancement professional to be its next Vice President for Advancement who will lead the university’s students, faculty, alumni, donors, and friends in their tradition of support and their next phase of achievement. 

Founded in 1875 in Dayton, Virginia, Shenandoah relocated to Winchester in 1960 at the urging of local business leaders who wanted an institution of higher learning to anchor their growing business and professional community. Under the leadership of James A. Davis, Ph.D. since 1981, Shenandoah has grown to be a leader in liberal arts and professional education in the region of the Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia. The university’s colleges and schools are: the College of Arts & Sciences, including the School of Education and Human Development; the Shenandoah Conservatory (music and the performing arts); the School of Health Professions, including the division of Nursing and Respiratory Care; the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business; the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy.  On July 1, 2008, Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. will assume the presidency of Shenandoah University. A well-respected scholar in Latin American studies, Dr. Fitzsimmons has been at Shenandoah for over six years serving most recently as Senior Vice President and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  

The University is nearing the end of the Spirit of Shenandoah Campaign; a capital campaign with the goal of $62 million, over $50 million is in place. The effort going forward will be to finish the campaign and begin to build an endowment, which currently stands at $50 million.  

ATTRACTIONS 

Greater Winchester, sometimes called the “top of Virginia,” is a good place to live and raise children. For additional information about the area, go to: www.winchesterva.org/ www.winchesterva.gov/ and www.winva.com/ 

Shenandoah University is a major institution in Winchester and the surrounding tri-state communities. 

The University has an entrepreneurial spirit. It is small enough that faculty and staff can express an idea and it will be heard. There is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the development of the institution.  

Shenandoah University is a blend of liberal arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, which also includes the School of Education and Human Development, and professional schools in the disciplines of Business, the Conservancy (music and the performing arts), and Health Professions and Pharmacy. 

The current President is retiring after 26 years and will be available for selected cultivation and solicitations. The President-Elect, Tracy Fitzsimmons, is currently Senior Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Fitzsimmons’ professional background is available at www.spiritofshenandoah.org/News/news_detail.asp?newsID=43  

Advancement will be “center stage,” with the new Vice President for Advancement being present during the transition, and having an opportunity to influence activities and set fund-raising priorities.  

CRITICAL ISSUES 

The University is transitioning from an emphasis on physical building growth over the last 30 years to developing a strategic plan for its academic and financial future. 

The donor base needs to be broadened and further educated about the value of the University, not only in the Winchester area, but also in Northern Virginia closer to Washington. The definition of a major gift needs to be revisited. 

The majority of alumni are Conservancy or Nursing School graduates. The entire alumni body needs more attention. 

Strengthen public relations and marketing to broaden the University’s reputation. Look for opportunities to get press coverage in national publications. 

The President-Elect has a strong academic background and has done some fund-raising, but she needs a well-seasoned advancement person to compliment her strengths. 

The core campus will remain in its present Winchester location. However, there is already a small Shenandoah University business and health-care presence in the rapidly growing Northern Virginia region 50 miles to the East of Winchester.  

THE POSITION 

Reporting Relationship 

The Vice President for Advancement reports directly to the President. 

Position Summary 

The Vice President for Advancement is responsible for the successful organization of the advancement program at Shenandoah University. He/she is a member of the Executive Team and, along with the President, is the chief fundraiser. The Vice President for Advancement is responsible for all areas of fundraising including the annual, capital, endowment, and planned giving as well as any institutional campaign of the university, its schools, and its institutes and affiliated enterprises. 

The Vice President for Advancement also coordinates public relations and advancement efforts with the public relations staff.

Specific Responsibilities 

• Establish the climate for aggressive, effective, and successful fundraising for the university, including the leadership of a capital campaign for Shenandoah University. 

• Articulate the vision of Shenandoah University and expand the universe of donor opportunity for it. 

• Coordinate with the President and staff to solicit for gifts of $100,000 and above and travel as needed as chief university fundraiser. 

• Supervise the Advancement Office staff and programs. Oversee the budget, the hiring and evaluation of staff, and administer overall office operations. 

• Serve as a member of the Executive Team and of the President’s Executive Council (PEC) and serve as the interface with the other arms of the university administration and the President’s Office. 

• Coordinate the fundraising work with all campus constituencies, including staff in advancement, athletics, church relations, conservatory, business school, arts and sciences, health professions, and related entities or institutions. 

• Coordinate with public relations the advancement of the university in image and reputation. 
  

Please address and inquiries or questions to Bob Sellery or Katie Wilson, Robert Sellery Associates, Ltd., 1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., 10^th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202.331.0090, Email: sellery@sellery.com, wilson@sellery.com. 

 All inquiries will be kept in strict confidence.

ROBERT SELLERY ASSOCIATES, LTD.
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