Associate Vice President of Advancement

Rockhurst University is seeking applications for Associate Vice President of Advancement. The Associate Vice President of Advancement (AVP) is responsible for providing leadership and direction utilizing industry best practices in strategic planning and program implementation to enhance philanthropic engagement and support of Rockhurst University, a Catholic, Jesuit University. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the AVP will lead key development functions, shape campaign and fundraising strategies, and foster meaningful philanthropic relationships to support Rockhurst’s mission and vision.

This senior role collaborates with academic and administrative leadership to drive strategic initiatives and ensure a comprehensive, metrics-driven, and donor-centered approach to University Advancement. The AVP will also support campaign planning and execution, advancement operations, alumni and constituent engagement, and the growth of the University’s philanthropic base.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a senior strategic partner to the Vice President of Advancement in designing, managing, and evaluating fundraising strategy and campaign execution.
• Provide leadership for several key roles in the Advancement department.
• Guide development staff in cultivating and soliciting principal and major gift prospects through data-driven strategies.
• Help lead the implementation of Rockhurst’s comprehensive campaign, including timelines, deliverables, donor engagement, and internal communications.
• Manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects.
• Supervise the development of collateral materials, campaign publications, donor reports, and digital content in collaboration with University Marketing and Communications.
• Foster effective collaboration with faculty, deans, and unit leaders to identify philanthropic opportunities and enhance engagement.
• Partner with Alumni Relations to strengthen engagement and build long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Ensure best practices in donor data management, gift documentation, stewardship, and legal compliance.
• Advance special initiatives such as Alumni Medical Network, St. Luke’s Endowment partnership, RULC, St. Louis engagement with assigned gift officer and expansion into other key communities, and more.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in or related field required.  Master’s degree in related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in advancement and or non-profit leadership required.
• Strong organizational, analytical, planning, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of individuals.
• Effective project management skills; detail and deadline oriented.
• Excellent time management skills required with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Applicants should submit a cover letter with salary expectations, Curriculum Vitae and three professional references. Rockhurst cannot accept any application materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.) by email, mail, or walk-in. All applications and application materials must be submitted through our online application system.

Rockhurst University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.