Associate Vice President of Collegiate Development

The Kansas State University Foundation (KSU Foundation) is partnering with Wendy Wilsker and Lindsey Gale from Boyden Executive Search in the recruitment of the Associate Vice President of Collegiate Development. For more information and to review the job description, please click here. Please direct all applications, inquiries, and nominations to Lindsey Gale, Executive Search Consultant, at [email protected]. 

Compensation: $180,000-$200,000

Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

Our Promise to You

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer 
• Tuition and certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world
• View more benefits on our website or click here!

At the KSU Foundation, philanthropy fuels possibility. We're seeking a seasoned, strategic fundraising leader to join our team as our Associate Vice President of Collegiate Development; a role that shapes the future of collegiate fundraising, strengthens donor relationships, and advances the university's mission in meaningful, measurable ways.

The AVP provides vision, strategy, and leadership for our collegiate fundraising units. This position drives an integrated, donor-centered fundraising approach at all levels of giving, maximizing lifetime donor value while elevating the overall donor experience. The AVP leads and develops high-performing teams, fosters accountability and confidence, and partners closely with university and volunteer leadership to set ambitious, achievable philanthropic goals.

A day in the life could be:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to collegiate fundraising units. Partner with leadership to set vision, align cross-functional strategies, and drive philanthropic goals.
• Assess the effectiveness of the collegiate fundraising practices and recommend enhancements; lead change management efforts, monitor adoption, and address stakeholder questions and concerns.
• Implement and promote the organization’s fundraising methodology, ensuring consistent adoption, effective use, and ongoing evolution.
• Work closely with University administration and volunteer leadership to maximize and optimize fundraising opportunities.
• Build, support, and maintain a high functioning team in line with the organization’s budget and growth plans.
• Manage a portfolio of primarily principal gift level donors.
• Serve as a member of the principal gift work group to develop the strategy of stewardship, cultivation, and advancement of philanthropic relationships.
• Travel with team members to support, coach, observe and educate others to enhance professional development, collaboration and refinement of skills.
• Lead quarterly meetings with college Deans, including an annual retrospective partnership report.
• Support and train new Deans, serve on Dean search committees as requested, and attend collegiate donor and Board of Trustees events.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, or related degree field
• 10+ years of metrics-driven fundraising experience requiring measurable output, with an emphasis on managing a portfolio of donors and closing gifts
• 7+ years of leadership experience overseeing individual contributors with a proven ability to inspire teams and effectively give and receive constructive feedback
• Proven track record as a successful major gift and/or principal gift fundraiser, with experience cultivating and deepening donor relationships over time
• Demonstrated commitment to accountability including achieving goals, upholding data and process integrity, and modeling professional responsibility
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and unify a team of diverse personalities and experience levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across university administration and leadership, donors, and corporate partners
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while collaborating effectively across varying levels of the organization

What we want:

• Leadership experience overseeing other leaders of people with a proven ability to inspire teams and effectively give and receive constructive feedback
• Proven success in administering a diverse major gift fundraising program serving multiple constituencies
• Experience creating and executing fundraising strategies part of a leadership team