Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with American University in the search for a Vice President of University Advancement.
Reporting to President Jonathan R. Alger, the Vice President of University Advancement will provide visionary and strategic leadership to the University Advancement team, driving strategic initiatives that support the mission and growth of American University. The Vice President will be an energetic, innovative, and results-driven leader who will shape staffing and budget strategies, recruit and develop top talent, and cultivate a collaborative, supportive culture within the Advancement division. As a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President will work closely with the President and university leadership to advance institutional priorities, enhance philanthropic engagement, and build deep, impactful relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. The Vice President will lead efforts to secure transformational gifts, expand the university's donor base, and elevate the role of alumni relations in ensuring long-term fundraising success. By aligning development strategies with institutional goals and representing the university to key constituencies, the Vice President will play a central role in strengthening American University's national and international profile and its capacity to secure sustainable, meaningful support for its future.
American University (AU) is a private, co-educational doctoral institution situated in a residential neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. It is a leading student-centered R2 research institution with seven highly ranked schools and colleges, small class sizes, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. American University's more than 13,000 students distinguish themselves for their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities. American University combines a tradition of strong undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on experiential learning, global leadership, and public service. With over 170 programs including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, American University students choose a personalized curriculum of theoretical study and experiential learning, taught by internationally recognized faculty in courses that take them from the classroom to the nation's capital, and all around the globe.
Students at American University forge a path beyond the classroom with more than 200 immersive opportunities to conduct research, study abroad, intern, serve in leadership roles, and help make a tangible impact on AU, D.C., and world communities. U.S. News & World Report ranked AU's study abroad programs fourth in the nation, and the university 19th for internships and in the top 25 for undergraduate research. American University also ranks among the nation's great universities for scholarship and careers. It was ranked top in the nation for Boren graduate fellows and second for combined Boren scholars and fellows. AU was named fourth in the nation for Presidential Management Fellows finalists. With a campus in the heart of the nation's capital, it is no surprise that Princeton Review ranked AU in the top ten for having both the most active student government and most politically active students.
AU's Alumni Association engages and sustains a lifelong and worldwide community of more than 150,000 alumni around the world through opportunities for meaningful engagement aimed at increasing awareness, pride, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic investment in the university. Twelve affinity groups and networks provide opportunities to connect with friends and current students. AU's alumni base, together with parents and families, is generous in its support of the university. The university is actively seeking to build its alumni network and to increase its ties to the institution and across generations.
In September 2024, American University officially concluded its seven-year Changemakers for a Changing World, Change Can't Wait: The Campaign for American University, the most ambitious and successful fundraising effort in the university's history. Thanks to broad support from the AU community, the campaign surpassed its original goal, raising more than $507 million for critical priorities including impact-driven research, student thriving, and the strengthening of community engagement. Launched as fuel to support the university's strategic plan, Change Can't Wait inspired record-setting annual giving and alumni engagement. More than 24,000 alumni in all 50 states and 81 countries, 9,000 faculty and staff, and 12,000 students and families contributed to the campaign. Unrestricted giving increased nearly threefold, and $120 million has been added to the university's endowment.
A bachelor's degree and at least ten years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, or related fields, preferably in higher education, is required for this position. An advanced degree is preferred. American University will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to AU, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of American University as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the prospectus.
The salary range for this role is $400,000 to $425,000 annually.
American University is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Michael Carver at michaelcarver@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/2798.
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