Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
Anticipated Start Date: 06/01/2025
Description
The Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement supports the Chancellor in administrative and financial duties by leading strategic outreach, resource development, and engagement efforts. This position oversees a comprehensive fundraising and engagement portfolio exceeding $15 million annually, along with alumni relations, government and military relations, commencement and executive events, marketing and communications, media relations, university branding, community engagement, and UCCS Downtown.
The Vice Chancellor is a critical member of the university Executive Leadership Team and collaborates to enhance the institutional reputation and foster meaningful stakeholder relationships. UCCS, a high research activity institution and one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system, has a broad range of degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in business, education, engineering, nursing and health sciences, and public service. UCCS seeks to provide unsurpassed, student-centered teaching and learning and outstanding research and creative work that serve our community, region, state, and nation as a premier comprehensive, regional research university. The campus, founded in 1965, enrolls approximately 10,500 students annually and offers 56 baccalaureate degree programs, 31 master's programs, and ten doctoral programs.
The Division of University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement at UCCS is dedicated to elevating the university’s mission by fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing institutional visibility, and securing critical resources. Through innovative fundraising, alumni and donor relations, government and military partnerships, branding, marketing, and community engagement, the division strengthens UCCS’s reputation and impact. By driving collaborative initiatives and stewarding vital relationships, University Advancement is pivotal in advancing the university’s long-term success and commitment to students, faculty, and the broader community.
Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to: Team Leadership: Cultivate a high-performing team by setting strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and supporting professional development. Guide the Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships in developing and stewarding Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) that enhance university initiatives.
Strategic Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement: Drive fundraising strategy, ensuring the cultivation of major gifts and strong relationships with CU System, CU Foundation, donors, corporate partners, and alumni. Lead a high-performing team in closing large, complex gifts and securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance university priorities. Responsible for donor pipeline management, ensuring effective donor stewardship, reporting, and fundraising metrics to maintain lifelong engagement. Accountable for meeting or exceeding annual fundraising targets through strategic donor engagement and innovative development strategies.
Institutional Branding & Public Relations: Provide strategic oversight of university branding, media relations, and marketing to enhance visibility and reputation. Shape strategic communication plans that align with institutional goals and stakeholder confidence.
Government, Community & Military Relations: Advocate for university interests by fostering relationships with federal, state, and local government officials. Advance public funding opportunities and expand partnerships that support military-affiliated students. Event Planning & University Engagement: Provide executive oversight for major university events, including commencement, to maximize engagement with students, alumni, faculty, and the community.
Strategic Communication & Recruitment Support: Enhance the university’s brand and mission by working collaboratively with Marketing and Communications and Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) to strengthen recruitment initiatives, partnerships, and outreach efforts.
University Representation & Strategic Partnerships: Represent UCCS at key events and serve on community boards to build partnerships that advance institutional goals. Collaboration with CU System & University Leadership: Ensure advancement efforts align with CU System initiatives while collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Deans, Center & Institute Leaders, and Faculty to integrate advancement strategies with academic priorities.
Financial Oversight: Provide executive direction for budget and resource allocation ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with university policies. Works closely with ELT on strategic financial planning and visioning for UCCS.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Communications, Humanities or Public Administration. An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred. Experience in fundraising and development with direct involvement in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Strong leadership experience in fundraising is required. Leadership in alumni relations, marketing, government relations, or related areas is highly desired. Ability to work effectively with university leadership, donors, and community partners to achieve institutional goals.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to make high-level decisions in complex environments. Experience in collaborating and working with system-level fundraising and donor support.
Experience in higher education fundraising and working with national foundations is highly desirable.
Experience managing a portfolio of major and principal gifts donors and experience closing large, complex gifts.
Proven ability to drive innovation within dynamic team environments and lead adaptive changes to advance institutional goals.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
$190,000 - $235,000
How to Apply for this Job
About the Organization
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a regional comprehensive institution located in the rapidly growing city of Colorado Springs in the shadow of Pikes Peak.
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