Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at West Virginia University Foundation in Morgantown, West Virginia

Job Description:

The West Virginia University Foundation seeks a dynamic Senior Vice President for Development and Chief Development Officer (SVP) to lead a highly motivated, complex development operation to even greater levels of success. This position is perfectly suited for an innovative, forward-looking fundraiser who is energized by developing fundraising strategies that could have a lasting impact well into the future of the Foundation and University. This executive succeeds BJ Davisson, who has served in this role with great distinction since 2015.

The WVU Foundation houses a team of collaborative professionals dedicated to maximizing charitable support for the University, its faculty, and students, as well as for WVU Medicine and its patients. WVU is committed to promoting education, healthcare, prosperity, and purpose as part of its land-grant mission. The WVU Foundation is poised for a transformative period and has achieved results unprecedented in the history of the Foundation. This positions the Foundation for the next phase of growth and continued impact among the WVU and WVU Medicine Community. The future for West Virginia University will be rooted in purpose, focusing on market-driven programs delivering in-demand skills. Therefore, the next Foundation strategic plan will support initiatives aimed at boosting student success, advancing health and wellness, and discovering solutions to real world problems.

The SVP is the chief architect of fundraising strategies and reports directly to the President of the Foundation. The role involves oversight of all aspects of development activities, from annual giving to major, and to leadership/principal and planned giving. The SVP is expected to lead with an innovative approach to developing fundraising programs that align with WVU's strategic objectives, ensuring the Foundation's goals are met and exceeded. Additionally, this leader will mentor and manage a talented team of development professionals, fostering an environment that encourages professional growth and high performance.

This new leader will bring a robust portfolio of skills in fundraising, leadership, organizational change management, capable of partnering with the President of the Foundation to steer the organization into its next era of success. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the future of West Virigina University and its affiliates, requiring a leader who is visionary yet pragmatic, with a deep understanding of complex fundraising landscapes and the ability to align them with strategic academic and institutional goals.

The ideal candidate will have a master's degree or equivalent and 10-15 years of fundraising experience in roles demonstrating progressive levels of fundraising management and leadership. Significant experience leading a fundraising operation in a complex and decentralized academic setting where ambitious comprehensive campaign goals were established and achieved is preferred.

All 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 which can be found at wittkieffer.com. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

WittKieffer is assisting West Virginia University Foundation in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

John Thornburgh and Ashlee Winters Musser

WVUF-SVP@wittkieffer.com

West Virginia University Foundation acts in a manner that supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Foundation. We are a world-class Foundation that embraces every community member, donor, volunteer, and employee to create a meaningful impact for those touched by the WVUF.

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