Vice President for University Advancement

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) seeks the service of a highly motivated Vice President (VP) for University Advancement. The VP is the Chief Advancement Officer for the University, playing a crucial role in ensuring the success of the University, and providing leadership in alumni relations, advancement services, development, the Sam Houston Foundation, and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Working collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow cabinet members, academic deans, and athletics, the VP identifies, establishes, and achieves ambitious goals to enhance the University’s programs, activities, and opportunities for students.

As a strategic leader reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VP is committed to University diversity and inclusion initiatives.  In leading University Advancement, the VP:

• Directs the overall operational strategies and efforts to create and execute fundraising plans using best practices in annual, major, and planned gift programs to meet fundraising goals.

• Designs and implements comprehensive institutional capital and other fundraising development programs to advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University.

• Identifies, develops, and cultivates relationships with top tier prospects. Provides oversight to major gift officers in solicitation of donations.

• Engages with SHSU alumni and strengthens relationships through events, meetings, programs, communications, and other outreach.

• Establishes goals and provides leadership to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.

• Interacts with community organizations and committees and attends major events and programs on behalf of Sam Houston State University.

About Sam Houston State University

For more than 140 years, Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement.  SHSU is an inclusive institution whose mission is to provide high quality education, scholarship, and service to students. With more than 90 bachelor’s degrees, 50 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs—including the nation’s first Ph.D. in forensic science and a College of Osteopathic Medicine, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student - traditional, non-traditional, first generation, international, or online.

Service to self and others is paramount at SHSU and reflected in all university organizations and programs. In 2020, the university was named to USA Today’s Top 50 in the U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness,” in addition to being classified a "Community Engaged Campus" by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. The “Community Engaged Campus” honor, bestowed to only 311 public institutions nationwide, acknowledges the university's significant commitment to service.  Our motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service," resonates among our more than 20,000 students, eight colleges, and alumni, and well beyond our historical roots through research, creative endeavors, service learning, volunteering, and more.

Most recently, SHSU’s support for our diverse and economically-disadvantaged student body was recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s ranking the university as the No. 1 school in Texas for Social Mobility of our graduates. In February of 2022 SHSU was designated a Doctoral University of High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, often referred to as “R2” status. 

Sam Houston State University has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.  SHSU offers a superior benefit package, competitive salaries, and a culture of collaboration and respect.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field required. Terminal Degree or Master’s in appropriate field preferred. Proven and substantive administrative experience with record of proven fundraising and other accomplishments as an administrator at a senior educational institution or equivalent. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted directly to the search firm, Anthem Executive. Correspondence should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position, and should be submitted to:

SHSUAdvancement@AnthemExecutive.com

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a new VP is selected, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials ASAP, to assure optimal consideration. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position.

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identify or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.