Vice President University Advancement

Vice President for University Advancement Job Description Summary

Miami University seeks a strategic, experienced and innovative advancement professional as its next Vice President for University Advancement to lead the University’s fundraising and alumni relations efforts and to provide strategic vision and leadership as the University strengthens its image as a nationally known and respected, student‑centered public university. This collegial leader will serve as a vital member of the President’s Executive Cabinet, partnering with other university leaders, along with alumni, university supporters, students, faculty, and staff, in advancing and sustaining the University through cutting‑edge research, data analytics and practice.

Miami University is a highly regarded and distinctive public institution of higher education that is recognized for outstanding undergraduate education and selective graduate and research programs. The University is an increasingly national constituency, and the position is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader to help grow, enhance, and advance Miami University.

With more than 16,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students at its Oxford campus, Miami University blends the breadth of a large institution with the personal attention typically found at smaller colleges. Its graduate programs enrich and complement the undergraduate experience, fostering a cohesive academic community. Beyond Oxford, Miami’s two regional campuses, Miami Online, and the Voice of America Learning Center serve an additional 3,500 students, expanding access and opportunity for both traditional and non‑traditional learners.

The university’s Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg further extends this reach, offering students a distinctive, immersive study abroad experience.

Miami’s unwavering commitment to teaching and learning is demonstrated in the University’s record of exceptional retention and graduation rates, as well as its consistently strong and engaged alumni community. Miami encourages and supports its students’ intellectual depth and curiosity, the importance of personal values as a measure of character, and a commitment to life‑long learning in a global environment.

Further, Miami creates an environment where students engage actively in service and develop strong leadership, interpersonal, and civic skills.

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for University Advancement is a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet. The next Vice President will be responsible for strengthening the University’s advancement, development and alumni relations programs and ensuring the growth of Miami’s overall philanthropic capacity. Working closely with the President, Deans, senior staff, faculty and key stakeholders throughout the Miami community, the Vice President will strengthen a culture of philanthropy that reflects the time‑honored traditions of the University.

The Vice President will join the Miami University community at an exciting time as it enters the final stage of its $1 billion capital campaign, The Power of Will. With $800 million raised to date, the University is enjoying the fruits of this effort across campus, including scholarships, professorships and endowed chairs, program enhancements, and the transformative, state‑of‑the‑art McVey Data Science building.

The Vice President for University Advancement will be a collaborative, visionary leader who inspires teams, fosters a culture of philanthropy, and builds enduring relationships that advance Miami’s mission.

The Vice President for University Advancement will lead a comprehensive and modern advancement organization encompassing Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Marketing and Communications, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Office of Solutions and Innovation, and Operations. This is a defining opportunity to:

• Complete and extend the impact of Miami’s historic $1 billion campaign while architecting the next era of philanthropic investment.
• Develop and execute a bold, multi‑year strategy that leverages data, analytics, and predictive…