Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, MS

Job description

The Executive Director of Institutional Advancement provides strategic leadership for the College’s fundraising, donor engagement, alumni relations, and advancement operations. Working under the direction of the Vice President of Institutional Affairs, the Executive Director develops and implements a comprehensive advancement program that strengthens relationships and secures private support for scholarships, academic programs, facilities, student success initiatives, and other institutional priorities. The Executive Director works closely with the President, Vice President of Institutional Affairs, Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, corporate and community partners, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to advance the mission and strategic priorities of Northwest Mississippi Community College. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Demonstrated professional experience in fundraising, institutional advancement, nonprofit leadership, alumni relations, external relations, business development, or a related field. Evidence of success in building relationships and securing financial or organizational support. Experience managing multiple projects, budgets, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as required. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in higher education, business administration, nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible advancement or fundraising experience. Experience in higher education, particularly within a community college environment. Successful experience with major gifts, capital campaigns, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, or foundation relations. Experience working with a governing or nonprofit board. Knowledge of advancement databases, donor-management systems, prospect research, and fundraising analytics. Familiarity with charitable-giving regulations, gift agreements, endowment administration, and nonprofit financial practices. Certified Fund Raising Executive designation or other relevant professional certification Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develops and implements a comprehensive institutional advancement plan aligned with the College’s strategic priorities, including measurable goals for fundraising, donor acquisition, donor retention, alumni engagement, and stewardship. Leads annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, employee giving, and other fundraising initiatives designed to increase private support for the College. Plans and manages comprehensive and capital campaigns supporting scholarships, endowments, facilities, academic programs, student success, and other priorities approved by College and Foundation leadership. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations, and community partners with the capacity and interest to support Northwest. Maintains an active portfolio of prospective and current donors and personally conducts meaningful donor visits, solicitations, and stewardship activities. Develops a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, relationship building, data analysis, and coordinated engagement strategies. Provides leadership for alumni relations, including alumni communications, events, volunteer involvement, affinity programs, and opportunities for alumni to engage with and support the College. Plans and evaluates fundraising and donor-engagement events, ensuring that each event supports clearly defined advancement goals and provides an appropriate return on investment. Coordinates fundraising activities across College departments, divisions, campuses, athletic programs, and affiliated organizations to ensure consistency, proper authori