VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Search Prospectus — Summer 2021

190 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 elmhurst.edu VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Elmhurst University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement. This role reports directly to the University president as a member of the President’s Cabinet. The vice president oversees all functions and staff of the Office of Institutional Advancement.

MISSION Elmhurst University inspires intellectual and personal growth in our students, preparing them for meaningful and ethical contributions to a diverse, global society.

ABOUT ELMHURST UNIVERSITY Founded in 1871 and located just 30 minutes more than 3,400 students, we boast a student- from downtown Chicago, Elmhurst University faculty ratio of just 13:1. Our alumni community is a leading four-year institution of higher of 40,000-plus is filled with passionate education that seamlessly blends liberal learning “Bluejay backers” who take pride in the and professional preparation. institution and wish to see it thrive.

Elmhurst offers: The University is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, with roots dating back to • More than 70 undergraduate programs of its founding 150 years ago. Students, study faculty and staff act on the University’s • More than 20 graduate and certificate mission to make meaningful contributions programs in flexible formats to the local community and to society, • The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy such as when Elmhurst’s nursing students for young adults with differing abilities joined the nationwide effort to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The campus is a 48-acre oasis: a nationally recognized arboretum nestled in a vibrant For more information, visit elmhurst.edu/about. suburb that is easily accessible via Metra rail and other public transportation. THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Academically, the University ranks among the The institution continues to emerge as an top colleges and universities in the Midwest, exemplary student-centered and innovative according to U.S. News & World Report. liberal arts institution. The students are Elmhurst also receives top-10 rankings in its engaging; the faculty and staff are dedicated category for most innovative school and for and talented; the alumni see great potential in best undergraduate teaching. The University is their alma mater; the City of Elmhurst is eager accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. to grow with the University; and the Board of Trustees is providing strong counsel and Elmhurst features a diverse student population, growing financial support. alumni base and staff. With an enrollment of VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Vice President for Institutional and vision of the University, defines goals Advancement will join Elmhurst University and objectives succinctly, and champions at a dynamic and vibrant time. Faculty, accountability and results in the Office of staff, students, alumni and trustees share a Institutional Advancement. palpable excitement as our 14th president, Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., leads us through our sesquicentennial anniversary and the quiet SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES phase of the emerging Elmhurst 150 Campaign, The Vice President for Institutional which is making great progress. Advancement will lead the advancement efforts of the University. This position is responsible for the alumni relations KEY QUALIFICATIONS program, annual giving program, major and The ideal candidate will possess a proven track planned giving programs, parent relations, record of success in advancement work and corporate and foundation relations program, cultivating deep alumni engagement. They will advancement services, and donor stewardship be able to show a history of developing and programs. The vice president will foster an coordinating plans and programs designed atmosphere of support and interest on the to secure the maximum level of gift support part of the University’s various constituencies. for both operating and capital needs. The Vice President for Institutional Advancement Essential Functions will report to the president and be a valued member of the President’s leadership team. • Serves on the President’s Cabinet. This leader will recommend to the President • Owns and champions the planning, and the Board of Trustees’ Advancement development and execution of a major Committee, objectives, goals, and procedures comprehensive campaign. for institutional priorities and will be tasked with completing the largest Campaign in the • Secures the requisite amount of operating University’s history. support for the University each year (Elmhurst Fund). The ideal candidate must possess management skills including hiring, training and inspiring • Develops and implements plans to secure the Advancement team to be accountable and the maximum level of gift support for both deliver results. The ability to develop and operating and capital needs. lead a collaborative team is key. The vice • Initiates and develops creative and president will have an accessible and collegial aggressive approaches to identify and secure style, polished communication skills, and a new sources of support for the University. willingness to engage the extended campus community in development-related activities. • Leads by example with an active schedule of Elmhurst is seeking a professional with an personal visits with both high-level donors appreciation and strong understanding of the and emerging prospects. liberal arts, and an ability to articulate the unique benefits of a United Church of Christ • Sets strategies with key donors and ensures institution of higher education. that staff move prospect relationships to the point of solicitations.

Seven or more years of successful experience • Motivates and nurtures a high-performing leading development activities is required, Advancement team. and a master’s degree is preferred. The Elmhurst University community welcomes • Implements policies, systems, and activity a candidate who acts with integrity and metrics to support department and authenticity, articulates the distinctive mission institutional goals. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

• Works with the Board of Trustees and MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS President to establish and implement short- • Bachelor’s degree. and long-range fundraising strategies, including capital campaign-related goals • Seven to 10 years of progressively and objectives to secure funding for responsible higher education advancement University priorities. or comprehensive campaign experience preferred. • Builds relationships with campus partners to expand alumni engagement, student • Ability to travel and maintain active schedule recruitment opportunities, and increased of personal visits. fundraising. • Proven track record of consistently meeting • Through assigned staff; develop, nurture and and exceeding work objectives. grow parent relations and giving. • Demonstrated success as an inspirational • Oversees the development process, including team builder and leader. identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors. • Experience with a relational database/CRM and leading or working within a robust major • Reinforces best practices in fundraising. gift prospect management system.

• Coordinates and serves as staff adviser to • Proven ability to build internal and external the Advancement and Trusteeship relationships and mobilize volunteers. (nominating) committees. • Work experience emphasizing collaboration, • Represents the University at many social, transparency, consensus building, conflict service and civic functions. resolution and problem solving.

• Develops and manages the overall division • Excellent oral and written communication budget. skills that are effective across a variety of constituencies. • Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement. • Ability to maintain confidentiality at the highest level. • Supports University mission, vision and values. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Other Duties and Responsibilities • Master’s degree preferred. • Performs other duties as assigned. • Five years of related management experience in higher education advancement work.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Employee is subject to indoor work, protected from weather conditions. Work is sedentary in nature and involves exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently/constantly in order to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move object. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

APPLICATION PROCESS Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Gonser Gerber Search c/o Gonser Gerber LLP 1776 Legacy Circle Suite 100 Naperville, IL 60563 [email protected]

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter • Résumé • Four professional references

References will not be contacted until later in the search process. Diverse and traditionally underrepresented candidates are encouraged to apply.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Elmhurst University is an equal opportunity employer. The University will continue to administer all employment matters without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam era or disabled veteran’s status.