Required Experience:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, master's degree preferred;
Expert understanding of advancement with a notable record of achievement as a fundraiser, ideally within higher education;
Substantial leadership experience in managing institutional development, including major gift solicitation, planned giving, events planning, and targeted drives for corporate and foundation grants, donations, and sponsorships;
Proven experience personally soliciting and raising seven-figure gifts;
Acumen for building a diverse network of supporters and stakeholders within and beyond the campus community;
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain cohesive, high performing teams;
Significant experience working with governing boards, elected officials and other community leaders, and volunteers;
Proficiency with strategic planning and budget management; and
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders within a unionized, intercultural environment.
Additional Information:
Salary:
Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.
Employee Benefits:
Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.
Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.
Disability Accommodations
Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.
Background Check
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
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Duties / Expectations:
VP Institutional Advancement / Westfield State University Foundation, Inc
Westfield State University
577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01086
$195,000 - $210,000 a year - Full-time
Skills
Volunteer management
Team management
Team development
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Do you have experience in Volunteer management?
Education
Bachelor's degree
Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
Benefits
Health insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Full job description
Location: Westfield, MA Category: Professional/Executive Posted On: Mon Jan 5 2026 Job Description:
Campus Title: Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Westfield State University Foundation, Inc.
State Job Title: Vice President
Department: Institutional Advancement
Job Code: HA8000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: NUP
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Vice President reports directly to the President of the University
Supervision Exercised: The Vice President supervises the Executive Director, Westfield State University Foundation, Executive Director, Research and Innovation, Director, Alumni Relations, Director, Corporate and Foundation Grants, and Director, Communications among other professionals within the division
Salary: $195,000.00-$210,000.00
General Statement of Duties:
The Vice President provides leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for the Institutional Advancement division, thereby ensuring strong support for the University's academic, programmatic, and scholarship initiatives while enhancing the University's regional reputation, nationwide alumni network, and international partnerships. The Vice President establishes objectives and formulates strategies encompassing alumni and donor relations, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, communications and media relations, research and innovation, and the Westfield State Foundation. As the University's Chief Development Officer, the Vice President serves as the primary principal gift officer for the University and Foundation, including maintaining a small portfolio of high-capacity prospects. The Vice President is member of the President's Cabinet.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:
Refines and executes a comprehensive strategic plan and associated operational plans that complement the University's 2025 - 2029 Strategic Plan.
Consults and effectively collaborates with the President, members of the President's Cabinet, and other senior leaders in guiding the strategic direction of the University and using analytics to drive decision-making.
Leads and directs the University's philanthropic efforts including planned giving, capital campaigns, annual giving, and advancement services while communicating and reporting the associated impacts and outcomes to diverse stakeholders and media professionals.
Serves as the primary principal gift officer for the University and Foundation, including maintaining a small portfolio of high-capacity prospects
Shapes digital strategy across email, social media, and other channels to broaden reach and improve engagement.
Provides strategic leadership to the Westfield State University Foundation including the oversight of the growth and management of Foundation financial assets. Oversee Foundation policies and processes based on best practices and Foundation bylaws.
Develops strategies and approaches to diversify the base of support and increase the levels of giving across the following key metrics: donor retention, number of unique donors, average major gift, foundation prospects, and new corporate sponsors.
Prepares an inclusive annual development plan including the means and practices to ensure that all donors receive appropriate, consistent recognition and accounting of the impact of their gifts.
Enhances donor prospecting and stewardship for major gift solicitation to ensure a growing base of support for the University, including personally making requests for major gifts.
Oversees all Foundation grants and grant applications in collaboration with the Office of Research & Innovation as well as the Office of Grants & Sponsored Programs.
In collaboration with the President, identifies and recruits top-level volunteer leadership for the purpose of implementing the University's mission and vision.
Leads the planning and execution of signature events and fundraising activities.
Builds support and engagement among alumni.
Provides effective training, support, and leadership to staff and volunteers to meet annual and long-term revenue goals.
Systematically cultivates long-term, collaborative, strategic relationships with selected organizations while serving on various University committees and councils.
Provides consultation to the Board of Trustees at the direction of the President.
In partnership with the Cabinet, works with state and local legislators to contribute to sustain a positive public image and position the University for growth.
Job Requirements:
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