Associate Vice President for University Advancement

University of Central Missouri

Associate Vice President for University Advancement

 

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist University of Central Missouri in its search for Associate Vice President for University Advancement. 

 

At a moment of sustained philanthropic growth and organizational momentum, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) seeks an accomplished operational leader to help steward and strengthen a high-performing advancement enterprise. Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President for Advancement (AVP) serves as the chief operational leader for advancement, ensuring fiscal integrity, systems effectiveness, and organizational excellence in support of UCM’s philanthropic and alumni engagement missions.

 

The successful candidate will excel in fiscal management, operations, and people leadership, rather than frontline fundraising, overseeing core “back-of-house” functions including finance, advancement services, customer relationship management system (CRM), annual giving, prospect research and data services, and administrative infrastructure. This role is intentionally designed to support and enable fundraising and engagement efforts through strong internal operations rather than carrying a personal fundraising portfolio.

 

UCM’s advancement program is distinguished by strong momentum and organizational health. Assets under management have grown from approximately $56M in 2018 to almost $120M today, reflecting disciplined stewardship, sound financial practices, and a highly capable team. Advancement functions comparably to a $5 million not-for-profit organization, with a staff of approximately 22 professionals, of whom the AVP directly manages five.

 

This position is well suited for a senior advancement operations leader or an executive with a background in finance, operations, or organizational administration who values mission-driven work, institutional stability, and long-term impact within a public university setting.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Vice President in advancing and implementing the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. Specifically, the AVP leads the daily operations of the organization while the Vice President of University Advancement is often offsite leading frontline fundraising efforts.
• Lead and inspire staff to cultivate a collaborative, donor-centered, and supportive work environment, promoting best practices and ensuring efficient, effective back-of-house operations.
• Recruit, train, inspire and guide direct reports and the advancement operations team toward achieving accountable goals and outcomes.
• Act as liaison and strategic ally to University Relations (all departments) to build and create innovative strategic communication plans and deliverables that support the advancement team and align with the University mission.
• Participate as a member of the senior development management team, providing direct support and strategic counsel to the Vice President for University Advancement and External Engagement /Executive Director of the UCM Alumni Foundation.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Foundation’s operating budget and financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Act as liaison to UCM Procurement and General Counsel in the acquisition of goods and services through new and existing contracts.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Foundation’s CRM, including constituent records, prospect portfolios, reporting, and prospect research functions.
• Identify and implement technology-driven strategies to enhance advancement processes and procedures, guiding system integration and adoption across all programs.
• Oversee the strategy, execution, and evaluation of the Annual Giving Program, including Giving Tuesday, annual giving societies, online giving platforms, and multi-channel fundraising initiatives.
• Mentor and support the professional development of the advancement, fundraising, and alumni & events staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

 

For more information regarding the key responsibilities and desired knowledge, skills and abilities for this position, please visit: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy8ro8c

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public relations, not-for-profit management, communication, educational leadership or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible senior-level management experience overseeing complex operations, budgets, and professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, financial planning, forecasting, and fiscal controls within a complex organization.
• Proven success leading and supervising professional teams, including responsibility for performance management, staff development, and operational accountability.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in business, marketing, public relations, not-for-profit management, communications, educational leadership or a related field.
• Fundraising campaign experience.
• Higher education or not-for-profit experience.

 

Why Work at UCM?

UCM offers an exceptional benefits package, including participation in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) defined-benefit pension plan for eligible employees. Vesting occurs after five years of service, providing lifetime retirement benefits. Additional benefits include:

• Complimentary tuition at UCM for employees
• Tuition and mandatory fees covered for eligible spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional development benefits

 

About the Institution  

Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive, public university committed to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM offers more than 150 academic programs and maintains a strong reputation for high-quality, accessible education. The university continues to climb in national rankings, recently named among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026). With two thriving campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, UCM serves a diverse student body and fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and service that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities. 

  

Living in the Area  

Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, just an hour southeast of Kansas City, the University of Central Missouri offers an appealing balance of small-town charm and metropolitan accessibility, making it an easy and comfortable place to settle quickly. Warrensburg’s close-knit community, affordable cost of living, and convenient amenities make short-term relocation seamless. Its walkable downtown features local restaurants, coffee shops, and arts venues that give the town a warm, authentic Midwestern feel. 

 

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 26, 2026.

 

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy8ro8c

 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

 

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

 

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected].

 

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].

 

Institutional Information

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.