<p>Return to Careers</p> <p>Division/Department</p> <p>Institutional Advancement</p> <p>Reports to</p> <p>University President</p> <p>Position Type</p> <p>Full-time</p> <p>Job Summary</p> <p>Wilberforce University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement (Chief Development Officer). Located in Wilberforce, OH, the University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across the liberal arts, business, STEM, rehabilitative counseling, and the applied social sciences. The incoming Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) is expected to take office in February 2026.</p> <p>Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is the oldest private Historically Black College or University in the United States and remains a national symbol of African American intellectual achievement, self-determination, and faith-centered higher learning. Its mission is grounded in developing students of strong character, critical insight, and leadership capacity who will serve their communities and the world.</p> <p>The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will report directly to the President, Dr. Vann Newkirk, and serve as a key member of the University's senior leadership team. This position provides executive leadership for all development, fundraising, and institutional advancement initiatives, including major gifts and gift planning, foundation and corporate relations, annual giving, communications and marketing, alumni and constituent relations, public relations, and capital campaigns. The Vice President will work closely with the President to develop the strategic institutional narrative and advancement plan that will secure Wilberforce University's future as a thriving center of African American intellectual achievement and faith-centered higher learning.</p> <p>Wilberforce University seeks a VPIA who demonstrates authentic passion for the mission of historically black colleges and universities. The successful Vice President will be a strategic, collaborative leader with a record of accomplishments in fundraising, philanthropic partnerships, campaign development, major gift cultivation, and fostering relationships based on a shared investment in the University's future.</p> <p>The search for Wilberforce University's next VPIA is being assisted by Maya Ranchod Kirkhope, Vice President and Senior Consultant, and Kate Nolde, Senior Consultant, at Academic Search. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to WilberforceVPIA@academicsearch.org. Applications should consist of a substantive letter of interest addressing the candidate's qualifications and alignment with this opportunity, along with a current curriculum vitae. Both documents should be submitted as separate PDF files. Though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled, only those materials received by January 9, 2026, are assured full consideration.</p> <p>The full search profile, including details about the institution, position, qualifications, and application process, can be accessed here.</p> <p>Wilberforce provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Wilberforce University are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.</p> <p>Essential Duties & Responsibilities</p> <p>Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications</p> <p>Wilberforce University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The University does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this position.</p> <p>Wilberforce University</p> <p>Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is America's first private, coeducational University established to educated men and women of African descent; and is closely affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, Wilberforce is a well-respected private, residential liberal arts university with a clear mission, core values and vision for the future and is a noted pioneer in the Co-Operative Education Movement.</p> <p>Wilberforce awards the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the areas of business, engineering and computing science, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences; as well as the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree. The University is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, a community readily accessible to the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus metropolitan centers' social, professional and cultural amenities and airports.</p> <p>Wilberforce University is an Equal Opportunity Employer</p> <p>How to Apply:</p> <p>To apply for the Vice President for Institutional Advancement position, use the "Quick Apply/Submit Resume" button below to submit your information, cover letter and resume to the Wilberforce University Department of Administration and Human Resources.</p>