Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the WMU Foundation (VPED). WMU seeks a dynamic leader committed to further fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement that fuels the university’s ambition to deliver a differentiated and holistic experience-driven education at a top-tier public University in Michigan.

The VPED is the chief advancement officer for WMU and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University's fundraising efforts, alumni connectivity, and the foundation enterprise. This critical post requires strong leadership, skillful diplomacy, and substantial financial acumen to successfully advance WMU’s institutional priorities and steward the experience focused ethos “so that all may learn”.

The VPED will report directly to President Russ Kavalhuna, an energetic team-oriented leader. As an alumnus of WMU’s College of Aviation—ranked 6th in the world, President Kavalhuna is an Air Transport Captain—the highest civilian class, has served as a federal prosecutor and most recently completed a distinguished presidency at Henry Ford College. He began his tenure at WMU on July 1, 2025, and is already considered WMU’s Bronco Advocate in Chief. The VPED serves as a core member on President’s Cabinet and will seek to strengthen WMU’s global profile, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and align philanthropic engagement with university goals and priorities. Reporting directly to the president, this position is a tremendous opportunity for a proven executive to join a dedicated leadership team transforming student success, inspiring creative and scholarly discovery, and advancing the impactful reputation of WMU.

The VPED will have the opportunity to lead to completion a $1.25 billion comprehensive campaign, which just passed its halfway mark and has not yet entered its public phase. The campaign will support a University-wide strategy to distinguish WMU in a highly competitive enrollment market by rooting experiential learning in a region rich with national and international companies, vital nonprofits, and government entities seeking to sustain southwest Michigan and the entire state as a thriving place to work, play, and live.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, strategy, and overall vision of advancement at WMU and the WMU Foundation through the development and implementation of comprehensive advancement and fundraising strategies that advance the strategic ambitions of WMU.

Work closely with the president and the WMU Foundation to set and meet fundraising goals.

Actively collaborate with cabinet teammates on decision making and strategic planning to ensure advancement activities advance the strategic intent of the president and cabinet.

Develop and further strengthen existing relationships with donors, alumni, community partners, and other key stakeholders who are committed to the continued success and growth of WMU.

Oversight and management of all aspects of fundraising, including annual giving, planned giving, major gifts, and the comprehensive campaign.

Lead a positive and success driven work environment where staff achievement is valued and management practice compliments operations.

Lead alumni engagement activities, promoting collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to include students, trustees, Foundation Board, administrators, faculty, staff, and community members.

Manage corporate, foundation and major gifts, planned giving, alumni relations, and annual giving.

Serve as Executive Director of the Western Michigan University Foundation and as liaison to other affiliated foundations ensuring a positive partnership with WMU leadership.

Work with academic deans and other university leaders to identify potential donors, develop a pipeline for cultivated affiliation, and partner with advisory boards and external groups.

Embrace responsibility for expert stewardship, excellent recordkeeping standards, and philanthropic best practices.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree.

At least ten years of progressively responsible and broad-based development experience.

Quantifiable success as a senior level fundraiser.

Experience managing fiscal resources aligned with development and advancement endeavors.

Record of success in comprehensive engagement and fundraising campaigns.

Demonstrated dynamic communication skills, interpersonal connectivity, and successful leadership and collaboration acumen.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree.

Proficiency working with a foundation.

Proven record leading Advancement at a higher education institution or large complex organization.

The full position profile can be accessed at https://greenwoodsearch.com/current-opportunities/ .

Application and Nomination Process

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Western Michigan University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquires, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Jeremy Duff and/or Kyle Pybus-Jerome from Greenwood Asher & Associates at WMUVPAdvancement@greenwoodsearch.com . Application materials should include:

A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position

A current resume/curriculum vitae

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by September 8, 2025 .

Jeremy Duff, Vice President of Executive Search

jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com

Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant

kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com

Western Michigan University, an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, complies with applicable federal and state laws and University policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment. Western Michigan University prohibits discrimination or harassment that violates the law or that limits opportunities of admission, employment or education based on the protected classes of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, height, weight, or marital status. Retaliation against any person or group who makes a good faith complaint or participates in a grievance, investigation or related processes is prohibited by law and policy. Related policies and information on how to report can be found at https://wmich.edu/equity/nondiscriminationnotice .

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