Vice President for Advancement and CEO of the Fort Lewis College Foundation

Position Summary 

FLC is an institution on the move. In the last year two years, FLC has set fundraising records, launched a new strategic plan, embraced a focused diversity equity and inclusion stance, and build a culture of success. FLC seeks a dynamic and outcomes-driven professional to guide institutional advancement to continue our growth trajectory. 

The Vice President for Advancement is FLC’s chief development officer and is a key advisor to the President who leads a team of development professionals whose primary responsibility is to secure private philanthropic funds and resources to advance the strategic plan and is equity-focused on the College. Areas of team responsibility include; major gifts, planned gifts, annual giving, corporate and Foundation relations, and development systems and services.  

The Vice President for Advancement also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Lewis College Foundation, the private nonprofit, which is the fundraising and fund management entity supporting FLC. The position works closely with the Board of Directors to raise, invest, budget, and steward private contributions made to the Foundation in support of the College.  

Reporting to the President of the College, the Vice President works closely with the College Foundation Board of Directors, the College Board of Trustees, Provost, Deans, and other academic and administrative leaders to set strategic direction and execute all fundraising and development activities and services.  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Deep understanding of the role of philanthropy in the catalytic change in higher education  

• Proven track record of providing strategic direction, leadership, and operational management resulting in a marked improvement in execution and revenue growth  
• Demonstrated sustained fundraising success including creating and aligning goals and strategies with the broader College vision  
• Ability to be a strategic partner to campus leadership who can design and execute initiatives to campaigns increase fundraising at FLC  
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to translate FLC’s mission into philanthropic partnerships  
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills that can convey the importance of FLC’s mission and strategic plan to donors and potential donors  

• In-depth knowledge of advancement office operational models and functions, including experience with budget preparation, planning, and resource management in higher education or with a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.  
• Experience and demonstrated success with working with a governing board  
• Proven management experience and administrative skills to organize, direct, motivate and evaluate other professionals, support staff, and volunteers  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrixed organization focused on outcomes  

Major Responsibilities 

• Provide philanthropic vision, strategy, and leadership to the development team and campus that is aligned with the College strategic plan  
• Serve as the lead-fundraiser actively developing and engaging high net-worth individuals, institutional funders, corporations and foundations, and others interested in supporting our mission.  
• Lead a team of professionals including advancement services, financial manager, development officers, and constituent relations.  
• Lead the gift staff in defining and refining individual fundraising strategies and goals that will sustain the future FLC  

• Work directly with campus leaders, including deans, directors, and others to create gifts in support of the College’s mission and service to students  
• Coordinate all College initiatives with major gift prospects, including clearing approaches and timing, maintaining a record of all subsequent interactions, and monitoring and reporting on major gift activity  
• Staff the President in major gift cultivation and solicitation  
• And other duties as assigned  

Work Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).  
• Ability to work in a confined area.  
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.  

Compensation  

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.  

Application Process 
A complete application packet includes: 

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for position 

• Include details regarding how your personal and professional experiences allow you to encourage a learning environment grounded in equity and inclusion.  “How do you envision contributing to Fort Lewis College’s commitment to equity and inclusion?” 

• Resume 
• Names and contact information for five current, professional references 

Submit materials as one PDF file via email to: 

FLCVPA@wittkieffer.com 

The position will remain open until filled. 

The successful candidate will be required to submit original, official college transcripts,  

and pass a background check. 

The College and the Community  

Fort Lewis College, a public institution located in Durango, Colorado, offers degree programs in arts, business, education, health fields, humanities, social and natural sciences, and teacher education. Our inspiring mountain campus is located atop a scenic mesa overlooking historic Durango and situated between the San Juan Mountains and the desert Southwest. We are committed to accessible and high-quality baccalaureate education, and our hallmarks are remarkably close relationships between students and faculty, the freedom of intellectual exploration, and the challenge of experiential learning. Our 3,300 students come from 48 states, 17 countries, with 36% Native American and Alaska Native backgrounds, and 11% Hispanic backgrounds. Durango is a thriving multicultural community of 18,500 set along the beautiful Animas River Valley. Averaging 300 sunny days per year, the community is known for its outdoor lifestyle and friendly, festive atmosphere. Durango is also the cultural and economic hub of the Four Corners region, rich in dining, shopping, and entertainment, and linked with airline service to hubs in Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas. 

Equal Opportunity  

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment.   

To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.   

Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?   

Office of the Title 9 Coordinator   

Molly Wieser   

230 Skyhawk Station   

1000 Rim Drive   

Durango, Colorado 81301   

(970) 247-7241 wieser_m@fortlewis.edu   

Other discrimination questions?    

Office of the Equal Opportunity Coordinator   

David Pirrone   

192 Education Business Hall   

1000 Rim Drive   

Durango, Colorado 81301   

(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu   

  * Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.  

ADAA Accommodations  

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.