Position Overview

The Executive Vice President (EVP) of Advancement is a senior leader responsible for building and directing Minerva University's comprehensive advancement program. This executive leadership team position integrates five critical domains: Strategic Leadership, Fundraising, Global Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, and Development Operations. The role demands an entrepreneurial leader who can establish sophisticated advancement infrastructure while cultivating a global network of supporters to advance Minerva's innovative mission and distinctive culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

The EVP designs and implements comprehensive advancement strategies:

• Creates multi-year advancement plans aligned with Minerva's mission in partnership with the President, Provost, and fellow EVPs
• Establishes clear metrics and accountability systems for measuring advancement success
• Builds and leads high-performing teams across development, communications, marketing, and alumni relations
• Directs board engagement and communication strategies for advancement matters
• Partners with academic leadership to ensure advancement goals reflect Minerva University’s priorities and values
• Establishes clear metrics and accountability systems for measuring advancement success

2. Fundraising

The EVP orchestrates principal gift strategy and execution:

• Creates comprehensive development strategies spanning annual, major, and planned giving programs
• Collaborates with the President, academic leadership, and faculty to articulate compelling funding priorities
• Implements a system for measuring fundraising activities and outcomes throughout the pipeline and reporting on progress to the Board of Trustees and the organization
• Develops relationships with top-tier global prospects and donors
• Creates innovative major gift strategies suited to international contexts
• Implements sophisticated approaches for global corporate and foundation partnerships
• Establishes gift acceptance policies for international giving vehicles
• Develops sophisticated stewardship protocols for diverse cultural contexts

3. Global Communications and Marketing

The EVP directs worldwide marketing and communications:

• Develops strategic marketing and communications plans aligned with Minerva's distinctive brand and culture
• Creates consistent messaging frameworks adaptable to regional contexts
• Collaborates with enrollment team to support student recruitment priorities
• Implements digital-first strategies to drive student recruitment globally in partnership with admissions
• Develops relationships with journalists, media influencers and opinion leaders
• Creates compelling multilingual content for diverse international audiences
• Establishes metrics for measuring marketing effectiveness globally
• Implements crisis communications protocols with global sensitivity

4. Alumni Relations

The EVP designs pioneering approaches to global alumni engagement:

• Develops comprehensive strategies for engaging alumni across international boundaries
• Partners with academic and student life teams to strengthen alumni connections
• Creates governance models for alumni leadership in partnership with Alumni Council
• Implements digital-first engagement platforms for global connectivity
• Establishes volunteer and leadership opportunities leveraging alumni expertise
• Creates metrics and systems for tracking international alumni engagement
• Implements giving programs tailored to Minerva's unique global alumni base

5. Development Operations

The EVP builds effective operational infrastructure:

• Develops CRM system functionality supporting all advancement functions in collaboration with the EVP of Strategy and Administration
• Creates frameworks for prospect management and donor engagement
• Implements comprehensive reporting systems for stakeholder communication
• Establishes compliance protocols for international fundraising
• Develops operational policies supporting global advancement
• Partners with finance team to ensure accurate gift processing and reporting

Education & Experience Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Graduate degree in Business, International Relations, Higher Education Administration preferred but not required
• Advanced training in global philanthropy and cross-cultural communication valued
• CFRE certification or similar international fundraising credentials appreciated

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible advancement experience, with at least 8 years at a senior level
• Proven track record of successful international major gift fundraising
• Experience working with boards and high-level volunteers
• Demonstrated experience building advancement programs in emerging organizations
• Significant success in managing global communications and brand strategy
• Strong background in creating innovative alumni engagement programs
• Track record of building operational infrastructure from early stages
• Familiarity with CRMs, AI, and other essential tech tools essential to global external affairs

Skills & Competencies

Leadership and Management

• Exceptional ability to develop and execute global advancement strategies
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams
• Advanced skills in mentoring and coaching advancement professionals
• Strong capability in fostering cross-functional collaboration
• Proven success in managing complex, collaborative organizational relationships

Development and Engagement

• Superior major gift solicitation skills across cultural contexts
• Advanced understanding of international giving vehicles and regulations
• Expert knowledge of global advancement best practices
• Proven ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders

Global Orientation

• Strong cross-cultural communication capabilities
• Excellence in public speaking and presentation across cultures
• Advanced writing skills adaptable to different audiences
• Expertise in digital marketing and social media strategy
• Experience with international crisis communications

Relationship Management

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with global cultural competency
• Excellence in building relationships across boundaries
• Strong diplomatic abilities and political acumen
• Demonstrated success in managing international stakeholders

Professional Attributes

• Collaborative style that bridges Minerva's academic and administrative teams
• Strong alignment with Minerva's distinctive culture and educational mission
• Curiosity about Minerva's unique approach to teaching and learning
• Highest level of integrity and ethical decision-making
• Commitment to transparency and clear communication
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical capabilities
• Resilient leadership style suited to complex organizations
• Innovation-focused with an emphasis on continuous improvement
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to lead with cultural humility and adapt leadership style to different international and institutional contexts
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and ensures inclusivity in all operational aspects

Working Conditions

• Extensive international travel required (40-50%)
• Flexibility to work across multiple time zones
• Evening and weekend work for global events and donor meetings
• Ability to maintain effective communication and leadership presence virtually
• Comfort with digital-first work environment and remote team management

Salary $250,000 - $300,000