Job Title: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Reports To: President of Lane College
Supervises: Assistant Vice President for Community and Alumni Affairs, Director of Government Affairs, Director of Major Gifts, Director of Workforce Partner Development, Administrative Coordinator, Work Study Personnel
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Location: Jackson, Tennessee (on campus)
Position Overview
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) serves as the College’s chief external affairs and fundraising officer, responsible for building enduring relationships and securing significant philanthropic, governmental, and community-based support in alignment with Lane College’s mission and strategic pillars. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPIA leads a team responsible for major gifts, alumni relations, government and community affairs, workforce partnerships, and strategic campaign development.
The VPIA is accountable for delivering on an institutional fundraising goal equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the College’s annual operating budget. For FY2025, that equates to a minimum of $4.05 million. All unit-level revenue raised by Cabinet peers that meets or exceeds ten percent (10%) of their respective operating budgets is included in the institutional total but must be reported, verified, and coordinated through the Office of Institutional Advancement. All revenue calculations shall be net of any direct costs associated with securing those funds, including but not limited to travel, consulting, events, sponsorship activation, and personnel.
The VPIA will lead the integration of advancement systems, including the College’s Blackbaud CRM, and ensure all donor, partner, and alumni activities are data-informed, strategic, and focused on building Lane College’s financial vitality and reputation.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a senior advisor to the President and an active member of the Cabinet.
- Design and lead an institution-wide fundraising strategy that aligns with Lane’s strategic pillars: Academic Excellence, Experiential Learning, Financial Vitality, Strategic Enrollment Management, Community Engagement, and Differential Advantage.
- Coordinate with Cabinet members to ensure each operating unit generates revenue equal to at least 10% of their annual operating budget.
- Aggregate unit-level fundraising data and integrate these results into institutional advancement dashboards, reports, and strategy.
- Personally manage a portfolio of at least 25 major donors and prospects capable of giving $25,000+ annually.
- Lead all aspects of major campaigns, including:
- The All-Steinway Campaign
- The Lane College Hall of Fame
- Alumni Center Capital Campaign
- Community Engagement Initiatives
- Endowed Scholarships and Professorships
- Oversee the creation and dissemination of six (6) or more cases for support annually.
Government, Foundation, and Community Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies, elected officials, and national associations (e.g., UNCF, NAICU).
- Advance legislative, civic, and funding agendas to support HBCUs and Lane College.
- Represent Lane in civic and economic development initiatives, including CRA District 2, workforce development alliances, and education coalitions.
Advancement Infrastructure and Technology
- Ensure optimal and strategic use of Blackbaud and other advancement technology systems.
- Create institutional dashboards to monitor progress against KPIs and inform decision‑making.
- Ensure accurate donor records, proper segmentation, timely stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
Supervision and Team Development
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate a high-performing advancement team.
- Foster a culture of strategic thinking, donor‑centric relationship building, and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure alignment of team goals with institutional advancement strategy.
Skills
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in nonprofit management, higher education leadership, public administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible advancement or development experience in higher education or mission‑aligned nonprofits; HBCU/UNCF experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing major gift campaigns, securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts, and managing donor pipelines.
- Expertise in community engagement, board and volunteer management, and public‑private partnerships.
- Proficiency in Blackbaud or similar CRM and advancement platforms.
- Strong writing, presentation, and executive communication skills.
- Culturally competent leadership, preferably in institutions serving underrepresented or first‑generation college students.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Minimum of $4.05 million raised annually through combined advancement efforts (net of costs).
- Minimum of 6 cases for support produced annually.
- 100% coordination and reporting of Cabinet‑level unit fundraising.
- Launch of at least one new strategic campaign or initiative per fiscal year.
Lane College, founded in 1882, is a proud HBCU committed to developing the “whole student” through Christian principles, academic excellence, and community responsibility. The VPIA will advance this mission by securing the resources and partnerships necessary to ensure Lane’s ongoing relevance, impact, and institutional strength.
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