Under the direction of the President, the Vice President for University Advancement provides leadership and management of operations and personnel to achieve a high-caliber development program that reflects Evangel University's mission, vision, and strategy. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Congress, the Vice President for University Advancement implements strategies for fund raising activities that strengthen the present and create a stronger, sustainable future for the university.
The Calling
Coming off a record year of philanthropic growth of over $27 million, Evangel University seeks an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking advancement professional to bring focus and leadership to a program that is ready to move forward to the next level of fund-raising success. The Vice President for University Advancement will serve in a highly visible leadership role with the overall responsibility of leading a comprehensive and integrated fundraising and alumni engagement program. This individual will be an inspirational team builder and serve as an encouraging and collaborative manager and mentor.
Essential Characteristics
Embodies a personal and deep-seated faith in Jesus Christ.
Embraces fully the Christ-centered ethos and biblical, Christ-centered liberal arts identity of Evangel University
Always strives to fulfill the university’s mission to educate and equip students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally.
Exhibits personal and professional integrity as one who earns respect and trust and who deeply values service to others by embodying humility, unpretentiousness, and self-confidence.
Demonstrates superior interpersonal, organizational, communication skills— both as a speaker and writer.
Understands and has a record of advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education: the development of critical thinking skills; the ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain with a spiritual, ethical, moral, and biblically based compass that provides for the development of a rigorous biblical worldview.
Preferred Qualifications
The Vice President for University Advancement will be a strategic, creative leader who is visionary about Evangel University’s fundraising potential and supports university-wide initiatives to maximize results. Additionally, Evangel University seeks a Vice President for University Advancement with:
substantial leadership and management experience, a history of establishing personal and professional credibility and respect, and building trust internally and externally;
a deep understanding and knowledge of the complexities of running a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual, major, principal, planned, corporate, and foundation giving;
outstanding interpersonal competencies, the ability to effectively engage volunteer leadership, and a deep commitment to instilling practices and a culture within advancement that reflect Evangel University;
superior communication skills, including engaging speaking skills, strong writing and active listening skills, and an ability to communicate effectively across constituencies;
a collaborative, forward-thinking, and goal-oriented development approach;
a track record as a major and principal gift fundraiser and manager of a sophisticated fundraising operation with a leadership role in managing one or more comprehensive campaigns of considerable size and ambition, clearly articulating campaign priorities to a variety of internal and external stakeholders;
a successful track record in fundraising, preferably in higher education, or a large nonprofit organization at the major and principal gift level and significant managerial experience in increasingly responsible positions;
an understanding of and a desire to embrace technological and analytical solutions with a keen sense of what is possible and an uncommon level of excellence in communication and collaboration skills, together with a demonstrated propensity for weaving advancement into the university’s strategic plan;
an ability to thrive in a metrics-driven, entrepreneurial environment;
a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required for this position, as is at least 10 years of experience in a major leadership role in a development or advancement program at an institution of significant complexity and accomplishment; and
strongly committed to the educational mission and identity of Evangel University as a Christian university affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Direct the University Advancement division including the day-to-day management of the alumni relations, development, and fundraising staff, working with them to design, implement, and direct an integrated and comprehensive development program, with special emphasis on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, engaging, and stewarding support to provide long-term financial sustainability.
Oversee and/or assist with all university development-related events.
Serve as a key member of the president’s senior leadership team, working collaboratively with leaders across the institution to support key university priorities, initiatives, and opportunities.
Provide active counsel and advisor to the president, establishing a strong working relationship that maximizes efforts in the development of financial support.
Identify and cultivate a portfolio of individuals/donors to maintain effective relationships for potential stewardship opportunities.
The President
Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel’s fifth president, is an experienced educator and dedicated minister of God’s truth to students. Driven by the Holy Spirit, Dr. Rakes is passionate about guiding Christians to get on board with the ways God is moving in their communities. With a depth of knowledge in higher education, long-range strategic planning, and community engagement, Dr. Rakes is an effective leader committed to the work of raising up future generations of Christ followers. For more information, visit https://www.evangel.edu/president/.
Evangel University
Evangel University is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally. Located in Springfield, Missouri, the beautiful campus is housed on more than 100 acres. Over 2,500 students are enrolled in more than 100 academic programs, including graduate and degree completion.
Application Process
Obtain application online at apply here or attached to in-house email. Submit completed application, resume, and cover letter to: