Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist University of Central Missouri in its search for Associate Vice President for University Advancement. 

For full consideration, please apply by March 26, 2026. 

At a moment of sustained philanthropic growth and organizational momentum, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) seeks an accomplished operational leader to help steward and strengthen a high-performing advancement enterprise. Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President for Advancement (AVP) serves as the chief operational leader for advancement, ensuring fiscal integrity, systems effectiveness, and organizational excellence in support of UCM’s philanthropic and alumni engagement missions. 

The successful candidate will excel in fiscal management, operations, and people leadership, rather than frontline fundraising, overseeing core “back-of-house” functions including finance, advancement services, customer relationship management system (CRM), annual giving, prospect research and data services, and administrative infrastructure. This role is intentionally designed to support and enable fundraising and engagement efforts through strong internal operations rather than carrying a personal fundraising portfolio.

UCM’s advancement program is distinguished by strong momentum and organizational health. Assets under management have grown from approximately $56M in 2018 to almost $120M today, reflecting disciplined stewardship, sound financial practices, and a highly capable team. Advancement functions comparably to a $5 million not-for-profit organization, with a staff of approximately 22 professionals, of whom the AVP directly manages five. 

This position is well suited for a senior advancement operations leader or an executive with a background in finance, operations, or organizational administration who values mission-driven work, institutional stability, and long-term impact within a public university setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support the Vice President in advancing and implementing the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. Specifically, the AVP leads the daily operations of the organization while the Vice President of University Advancement is often offsite leading frontline fundraising efforts.
• Lead and inspire staff to cultivate a collaborative, donor-centered, and supportive work environment, promoting best practices and ensuring efficient, effective back-of-house operations.
• Recruit, train, inspire and guide direct reports and the advancement operations team toward achieving accountable goals and outcomes.
• Act as liaison and strategic ally to University Relations (all departments) to build and create innovative strategic communication plans and deliverables that support the advancement team and align with the University mission.
• Participate as a member of the senior development management team, providing direct support and strategic counsel to the Vice President for University Advancement and External Engagement /Executive Director of the UCM Alumni Foundation. 
• Provide strategic oversight of the Foundation’s operating budget and financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Act as liaison to UCM Procurement and General Counsel in the acquisition of goods and services through new and existing contracts.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Foundation’s CRM, including constituent records, prospect portfolios, reporting, and prospect research functions.
• Identify and implement technology-driven strategies to enhance advancement processes and procedures, guiding system integration and adoption across all programs.
• Oversee the strategy, execution, and evaluation of the Annual Giving Program, including Giving Tuesday, annual giving societies, online giving platforms, and multi-channel fundraising initiatives.
• Mentor and support the professional development of the advancement, fundraising, and alumni & events staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• In collaboration with UCM’s Integrated Marketing & Communications, facilitate and oversee the strategy, content creation, production, and distribution of all advancement-related print and digital publications and materials, including the semi-annual Alumni Magazine, MuleNation Monthly e-publication, planned giving resources, campaign collateral, and other donor communications. 
• Act as an advisor to content producers, designers, and external print vendors.
• Act as the administrator for social media accounts. Leveraging digital media, social media, and email marketing to enhance brand awareness and support fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality branding and messaging across all channels controlled by University Advancement.
• Consult with and guide fundraising personnel in building their prospect portfolios for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major, leadership and principal gifts including goal setting. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Budget management with scope for $5M advancement enterprise.
• Ability to work with and interpret data. 
• Ability to recognize and interpret complex financial documents. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare executive-level reports, analyses, policies, and operational documentation.
• Ability to draft funding proposals for individual donors and foundations is desirable.
• Ability to work effectively with senior leadership, boards, and cross-functional partners in a collaborative, high-accountability environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and without daily oversight is desirable, as the Vice President of University Advancement is often offsite.
• Demonstrated high level customer/client service and responsiveness.
• Ability to be professional, tactful and diplomatic.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public relations, not-for-profit management, communication, educational leadership or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible senior-level management experience overseeing complex operations, budgets, and professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, financial planning, forecasting, and fiscal controls within a complex organization.
• Proven success leading and supervising professional teams, including responsibility for performance management, staff development, and operational accountability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master’s degree in business, marketing, public relations, not-for-profit management, communications, educational leadership or a related field. 
• Fundraising campaign experience.
• Higher education or not-for-profit experience.

Why Work at UCM?

UCM offers an exceptional benefits package, including participation in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) defined-benefit pension plan for eligible employees. Vesting occurs after five years of service, providing lifetime retirement benefits. Additional benefits include:

• Complimentary tuition at UCM for employees
• Tuition and mandatory fees covered for eligible spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional development benefits

About the Institution 
 
Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive, public university committed to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM offers more than 150 academic programs and maintains a strong reputation for high-quality, accessible education. The university continues to climb in national rankings, recently named among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026). With two thriving campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, UCM serves a diverse student body and fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and service that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities. 
  
Living in the Area 
 
Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, just an hour southeast of Kansas City, the University of Central Missouri offers an appealing balance of small-town charm and metropolitan accessibility, making it an easy and comfortable place to settle quickly. Warrensburg’s close-knit community, affordable cost of living, and convenient amenities make short-term relocation seamless. Its walkable downtown features local restaurants, coffee shops, and arts venues that give the town a warm, authentic Midwestern feel. 
 
From the Lee’s Summit campus, downtown Kansas City is only 20 minutes away, offering easy access to professional sports, arts, entertainment, airports, and corporate hubs. The greater Kansas City region provides the cultural energy and amenities of a major metropolitan area, with world-class dining, shopping, and recreation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby Knob Noster State Park, while those interested in Missouri’s history and wine country will find scenic day trips to charming small towns and vineyards. Together, Warrensburg and the surrounding region offer a high quality of life and a convenient, connected home base. 

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 26, 2026. 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to UCMAVPAdvancement@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information
The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.