Skip to main content

This job has expired

Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Lander Foundation

Employer
Lander University
Location
Greenwood, South Carolina
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Date posted
Jan 24, 2023

Lander University, the fastest-growing public institution of higher education in South Carolina, invites nominations and applications for the appointment of Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Lander Foundation.  Founded in 1872, Lander University is a co-educational, state-assisted, comprehensive, regional, four-year, university in Greenwood, S.C. With approximately 4,000 students, Lander provides exceptional educational opportunities within its traditional liberal arts and science programs, and its professional programs in business, education, and nursing. In 2016, the University approved a new mission statement and developed a bold strategic plan, titled “Launch,” which continues to result in student success and academic growth across the entire University.

Lander offers high-demand and market-driven programs to ambitious and talented students in South Carolina and beyond.  These programs are delivered in a rich liberal arts environment to produce highly qualified and marketable graduates. Lander’s Fall 2021 enrollment marks the largest in its 150-year history, and the University projects an enrollment of 5,000 students in the next three years.

Through six academic colleges, a school of nursing, and honors college, Lander offers students over 90 areas of study, including 16 signature academic programs in emerging and high-demand fields, which are attracting academically talented students from across the state and the nation. Along with its tremendous growth, Lander continues to be recognized for its quality and innovative academic programs. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report placed the University at #5 among the Top Public Schools in the South. It also named Lander as one of the South’s best colleges for veterans. Athletically, Lander competes at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the highly competitive Peach Belt Conference. The Lander University Equestrian Center is the first university-based equestrian facility in South Carolina to offer academic, therapeutic, and sporting opportunities for students and community members.

The Lander Foundation, a non-profit, 501c (3) organization operates solely to support Lander University. The Foundation, which receives, manages, and invests gifts for the wellbeing of the University, concentrates its work in two major areas: Scholarships, and Faculty/Staff Development and Research. The Foundation also responds to special needs and requests of the University.

Known for its natural beauty, low cost of living, and wonderful communities, Greenwood is located an hour south of Greenville. A highly diverse city with a population of approximately 23,000 people, the cost of living in Greenwood is approximately 15% lower than the national average. Along with manufacturing, which makes up approximately 25% of the local industry, major industries in Greenwood include retail, healthcare, and education. Greenwood’s public school system is also highly rated.

For more information about Lander, and to read the Launch strategic plan, please visit: http://www.lander.edu

Lander University seeks an experienced development executive with a strong record of accomplishments in fundraising and fundraising administration. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the Cabinet, the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) will have broad authority and responsibility for providing leadership to the areas of Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, and the Lander Foundation.  As Executive Director of the Lander Foundation, the VPUA will be responsible for management oversight of the endowment, facilitate activities of the Foundation Board, and act as the liaison between the Foundation and the broader University community. Overseeing a staff of seven, the VPUA will be a trusted advisor and partner to the President on all advancement and fundraising matters in support of the mission, vision, and strategic plan for the University.

The successful candidate will have at least five years of experience in progressively responsible development positions, and competency with electronic donor information systems, along with a record of higher education achievement in fundraising or a related development context.  Capital campaign and major gift solicitation experience; knowledge of best practices in advancement; successful direct experience in planning or leading major comprehensive campaigns; and the ability and successful track record in securing significant major and principal six and seven-figure gifts is also needed.  A baccalaureate degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. 

To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information, please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration as review of submitted materials will begin immediately. This position is a 12-month, full-time, administrative appointment. The preferred start date is as soon as possible.

Buffkin / Baker

To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to:

LanderVPUA@buffkinbaker.com

Ken Carrick, Partner 980-296-5401      

Janny DeLoache, Principal 704-377-7828

Lander University is committed to equal opportunity employment and being an employer of choice. Lander believes that corresponding differences within the faculty and staff, whether based on ethnicity, race, gender, religion, age, or other experiences, are tremendous assets to the role of Lander as an educational institution and within the community, region, and state. Moreover, Lander is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. As a result, it is the policy and commitment of Lander that it will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. AA / EOE / ADA / TITLE IX

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert