Vice President for University Advancement

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Alfred University in the search for a Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA).

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for University Advancement will design and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy and the necessary infrastructure needed to build a high-performing operation that will drive new philanthropic support, effectively steward current donors, and bring fresh ideas that reflect the evolving nature of fundraising to the University. By assessing existing fundraising practices and seeking input from key stakeholders, the Vice President will ensure a holistic approach to promoting a culture of philanthropy. As a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President will join a leadership team that assists President Mark Zupan in moving Alfred University towards its desired future through the promotion of a culture of philanthropy, both internally and externally.

Alfred University has a long history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and communities. Alfred University provides excellent quality and enduring value through academic and co-curricular programming that is both intellectually challenging and practically relevant. It is culturally diverse and student-centered, and aims to serve an ever-changing student population. It seeks students with the aspiration and dedication to do well for themselves and for their greater communities. Thus, Alfred University prepares its students with the knowledge, skills, and life-habits that will enable them to succeed, and to live lives of continuous personal growth and service to others. These outcomes are achieved through a commitment, by the entire Alfred University community, to teaching and research, the pursuit of scientific and technical expertise, artistic creativity, and humanistic learning.

Alfred University takes pride in its 185-year history of inclusiveness. Over that period, the University has provided a remarkable intersection between opportunity and impact. The contributions made by its 36,000-plus alumni to their families, communities, and society attest to the University’s ability to transform student lives and better the world. Alfred University graduates have developed cures for bilirubin and glasses that correct for color-blindness. They have contributed to the invention of Gorilla glass and created the means to transmit data and voice through fiber-optic cable. Their inspiring works of art and design adorn leading museums around the globe. Their creativity, resilience, and leadership have shaped multi-billion dollar enterprises, won Emmys, and facilitated travel around the globe as well as into space. Their kindness and empathy epitomize the University's values, are at the heart of the “Alfred hello,” and illuminate how differences can be our greatest, unifying strength.

Alfred University has had a long-standing commitment to diversity and social justice. For example, Alfred was the first institution of higher education in the United States to be fully open to female students—in terms of both admission and ensuring that women could pursue the same course of studies as men. Its first class had 22 women and 14 men. Alfred University was also one of the first higher education institutions in the United States to admit Black and Native American students.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in advancement, preferably in higher education. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission and values of Alfred University as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.