Vice President for Strategy

Vice President for Strategy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree strongly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in philanthropy, development, strategic partnerships, or a related role
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting high-impact materials
• Knowledge of trends in philanthropy and funding for educational access and upward mobility
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset with the ability to work across departments

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the President and the Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to expand high-level donor relationships
• Identify and cultivate connections with new philanthropic partners, corporate sponsors, and grant-making organizations aligned with UMSV’s mission and strategic priorities
• Coordinate and support meetings, events, and initiatives involving the President and key external partners
• Research and identify funding opportunities from national and international foundations and corporations focused on educational access and upward mobility
• Generate leads, and leverage the President as appropriate, by leading the University’s meaningful engagement in funding and philanthropic networks aligned to the University’s priorities
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders and prepare tailored engagement strategies for each
• Manage the preparation of individual funding proposals, grant applications, and partnership agreements
• Lead and/or staff solicitation meetings as appropriate
• Work closely with Advancement/Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment between institutional messaging and donor engagement strategies
• Partner with Advancement team to implement stewardship efforts for new funders and maintain a cohesive approach to donor and funder relationships
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align strategic initiatives with institutional priorities and goals
• Partner with Advancement/Marketing and Communications to design and execute strategies that position the President as a thought leader in educational access and upward mobility
• Collaborate on communications and public relations efforts that highlight UMSV’s initiatives, achievements, and impact. Prepare briefing materials, speeches, and presentations for the President’s engagements with philanthropies, donors, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree strongly preferred
• Entrepreneurial and strategic thinker with a passion for educational access and social mobility
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and develop consensus around initiatives
• Proactive and resourceful in identifying opportunities and driving results