Description

KEES has been exclusively retained by Herzing University in its search for a Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement. Herzing University, VP of Philanthropy and Engagement 

Herzing University seeks a visionary and strategic individual to serve as the inaugural Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement. As part of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the President, this unique opportunity will build and lead the Advancement department from the ground up. The initial focus will be on laying the groundwork, followed by a rapid evolution to securing significant philanthropic resources and expanding community engagement.

As a key partner to the Herzing University President and Trustees, the VP will be responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships and securing substantial new financial resources at all levels, from Alumni and Annual Fund to Principal and Planned Gifts. This unique opportunity allows the individual to not only grow philanthropic revenue but also to develop a cohesive, university-wide strategy that advances institutional goals, enhances regional engagement, and demonstrates Herzing’s commitment to social and economic mobility.

Compensation will be a combination of base salary and bonus potential, with final compensation in the mid-$200,000s. Candidates from any location near Herzing campuses are invited to apply. Relocation assistance is offered.

It is the university’s practice to recruit and hire without discrimination because of skin color, gender, religion, LGBTQi2+ status, disability status, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. https://www.herzing.edu/about/diversity

Herzing University prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.herzing.edu/title-ix 

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.kees2success.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Opportunity-Guide-2025-Herzing-University-VP-Phil.pdf 

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, and Randi Blasutti, Senior Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to rblasutti@kees2success.com 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Established in 1965 by Henry and Suzanne Herzing with just 12 students, Herzing University was founded on the mission to advance individuals in the emerging field of technology. The university has since grown significantly in size and scope, but its mission has remained solidly grounded in the power of accessible, high-quality education. Under the leadership of President Reneé Herzing, Herzing has evolved into a non-profit organization with the mission to educate, support, and empower all students for success in work, learning, and engagement in their communities and in global society. Today, Herzing serves almost 12,000 students across 12 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in a variety of career fields, including a focus on healthcare. To learn more, please visit https://www.herzing.edu. 

Requirements

Some specific requirements include:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in advancement, preferably in higher education or organizations of similar complexity; connecting to robust online academic offerings is helpful.
• A demonstrated history of successfully leading and contributing to institutional fundraising campaigns across a variety of fundraising areas, from Annual Fund, Alumni Giving, Online, Mid/Major Gifts, and Planned Gifts.
• Proficiency in utilizing fundraising technology platforms to track and manage donor relationships, with expertise in Salesforce highly desirable.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to craft a compelling case for support that aligns donor interests with Herzing’s mission.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and follow through on fundraising plans.
• A team-oriented, inclusive mindset with strong supervisory skills and a history of effective collaboration with diverse groups. Past experience in building a team from the ground up is helpful
• A track record of using data and consultation to inform strategic planning, goal setting, budgeting, and fiscal reporting.
• Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships, culminating in overall success.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred.