Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Job Category :

Professional / Administrative

Position Title :

Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Full Time / Part Time :

Full Time

Division :

Office of Advancement

Department : Alumni Engagement

Hiring Wage / Salary Range :

$140,000 – $170,000

Professional Experience / Qualifications :

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, including at least five years in progressive management roles overseeing alumni engagement and / or advancement.
• Strong familiarity and / or experience with annual giving programs, including strategy development, donor acquisition and retention, volunteer-driven fundraising, and results-oriented goal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, mobilize, and sustain meaningful alumni participation, in giving and / or engagement.
• Strong strategic and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of alumni engagement and annual giving best practices and emerging trends.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the intellectual depth, confidence, and credibility to engage effectively with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of working effectively across academic and administrative teams.
• A data-driven mindset, with the ability to leverage metrics, analytics, and assessment tools to measure engagement and fundraising effectiveness, optimize resources, and manage budgets.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel extensively, maintaining strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond.
• A collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style, with a strong work ethic, sound judgment.
• Deep appreciation for Colgate University’s history, mission, and achievements, with the ability to effectively articulate its impact to a diverse audience.
• A strong desire to engage fully with both the University and the local community.

Preferred Qualifications :

Education :

A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Offer Determination :

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education / training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits :

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include : medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .

Department Statement :

The Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with its global alumni community and in mobilizing philanthropic support through a thriving annual giving program.

As a highly selective, residential liberal arts college, Colgate is dedicated to educating talented students for lives of leadership and service. The University has a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement, with more than 56% of alumni actively participating each year through giving, volunteering, and attending both virtual and in-person programs. Signature events—such as Reunion, which welcomes more than 2,500 alumni and guests annually—exemplify the strength of Colgate’s alumni network.

This enduring alumni loyalty and generosity provide a powerful foundation as the University advances its historic and comprehensive Campaign for the Third Century. With over $725 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, the campaign is a cornerstone of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan, designed to propel the University into a new era of academic excellence and institutional impact.

The Associate Vice President plays a pivotal role in strengthening alumni engagement, leading the strategy and execution of the University’s annual giving program, and mobilizing this passionate community in support of Colgate’s bold vision for the future.

Accountabilities :

Reporting to the vice president for advancement, the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving serves to provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to deepen alumni connections and enhance their lifelong relationship with the University. The AVP also oversees Colgate’s annual giving program, which raises more than $16 million annually in current use support – including more than $10 million in unrestricted support – and secures more than 12,000 alumni donors, ensuring continued philanthropic momentum in support of institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities : In partnership with Advancement leadership :

Requisition Number : 2025S070Posting

Temporary : No

Job Open Date : 08 / 28 / 2025

Open Until Filled : Yes

Special Instructions Summary :

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jevon Walton at ColgateAVP-AEAG@wittkieffer.com .

EEO Statement :

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act :

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported : 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at : https : / / www.colgate.edu / about / offices-centers-institutes / dean-college / campus-safety-staff / clery-compliance . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .