Vice President for Institutional Advancement

at Methodist University in North Carolina

Methodist University, a thriving private senior university in North Carolina, seeks an experienced administrator and accomplished fundraiser to serve as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Applications and nominations are being accepted.

Complete information is provided in the Search Profile at http://www.myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/MU-VPAdv.pdf.

The Opportunity

For the past 63 years, Methodist University has provided men and women academic programs and experiences based on the conviction that a liberally educated person is sensitive to the needs and rights of others. With this goal, the institution has sought to develop graduates who will contribute substantially and creatively to the professions and to civic life.

Today, the University serves approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students, with the majority of them from North Carolina. The student body includes persons of diverse ages and nationalities, with more than 40 states, the District of Columbia, and 77 foreign countries represented.

While the University is deeply committed to The United Methodist Church, its primary function is to provide a liberal arts education for all, offering a welcoming and inclusive campus.

Methodist University concluded its presidential search last fall with the appointment of Dr. Stanley T. Wearden. He assumed his responsibilities at the University in January.

Over the last decade, Methodist University has experienced unprecedented growth. MU’s recently completed capital campaign raised more than $41.2 million and has funded scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, campus life enhancements, new and renovated academic buildings, and expanded athletic facilities.

As of May 7, 2018, Methodist University had graduated 12,692 students. While the University has alumni in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and abroad, more than 5,700 of MU’s graduates reside in North Carolina.

The University seeks a dedicated and experienced development executive with a strong record of accomplishments in fundraising and fundraising administration to lead the Office of Institutional Advancement. Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement has broad authority and responsibility for oversight of all aspects of the Institutional Advancement office.

A member of senior leadership and the University’s Cabinet, the Vice President works closely with the President, Board of Trustees, academic deans, faculty, administrators, friends, and alumni. The senior administrator assists in supporting the mission of the University through the successful operation of a comprehensive fundraising program. Key initiatives include increasing major gifts, annual and planned giving, establishing the foundation for new capital campaigns, and furthering outreach to alumni worldwide, as well as generating new friends.

The Vice President is responsible for all fundraising as well as the University’s Office of Alumni Affairs, the Alumni Association Board, Board of Visitors, Foundation Board, and the Board of Trustees’ Development and Nominations committees. The Vice President also is instrumental in the University’s grant writing and federal appropriations efforts.

Qualifications

The appointed candidate will be a strong leader with integrity and a strategic thinker who is organized and willing to travel. The Vice President will excel at being an effective and sensitive advancement partner with the Board(s), President, faculty, staff, volunteers, funding sources, and others.

Qualified candidates must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience in higher education or related areas, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and 10 years of appropriate experience in higher education or related areas. Leading candidates will be excellent communicators who are skilled in planning, management, and staff development.

Other requirements in qualities, experience, and skills include:

• Demonstrated experience in successful fundraising activities and campaign management, encompassing goal setting, planning and implementing strategies, identifying new donors, and soliciting gifts
• In-depth understanding of budgets and financial records associated with a comprehensive advancement program
• The ability to oversee and direct activities and events for fundraising and other University initiatives
• The ability and confidence to develop and cultivate relationships with established and prospective donors, including individuals, businesses, and foundations, for securing private funds
• The ability to manage staff and multiple responsibilities and projects, including capital campaigns, the annual fund, major gifts, alumni relations, a comprehensive program of estate and planned gifts, corporate and foundation fundraising, and the management of volunteers
• Extensive personal community involvement to represent the University
• The ability to travel as needed

Methodist University

Methodist University was chartered in 1956 as Methodist College. The school was founded by the people of Cumberland County and the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for the purpose of Christian higher education and the extension of the influence of science, art, and Christian culture.

In October 2006, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Methodist College, the Board of Trustees voted to rename the institution Methodist University to reflect MU’s ongoing expansion into graduate education.

While related by faith to the North Carolina Annual Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, the University is an independent corporation rather than an agency of the Conference.

Today, MU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 fields of study through five academic schools: Arts and Humanities, Reeves School of Business, Public Affairs, Health Sciences, and Science and Human Development. Six graduate degree programs are available, including doctoral programs in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Within the student body, 1,700 students attend the traditional day program, 300 are in Methodist University at Night, and 300 are in graduate programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, with an average class size of around 15 students. Almost $24 million in institutional scholarships and grants were awarded to MU students last year.

MU’s faculty members are committed to excellent teaching, professional development, and research. Numerous faculty members have published peer-reviewed articles, presented findings at regional and national conferences, published works of poetry, or served as editorial review panelists for major publications. Student surveys routinely cite the unique quality of classroom, library, and online experiences as reasons for recommending Methodist University to friends and family members.

In the Methodist tradition of service to others, students participate in volunteerism and service-learning opportunities throughout the year. MU’s Center for Community Engagement partners with 27 local organizations to serve the local community.

The 617-acre campus includes 50 buildings, an 18-hole golf course, football/track facility, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, and an amphitheater. The facilities offer state-of-the-art technology for both teaching and learning.

The University is a NCAA Division III member, competing in the USA South Athletic Conference, and offers 20 intercollegiate sports. MU has an outstanding athletic record with 37 National Titles - winning its 12th men’s golf championship in 2018 - and 142 Conference Championships. Its commitment to the academic studies of its student-athletes is evident with its record of 48 All-Americans.

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Methodist University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is part of the Carolina Sandhills region in the heart of golfing country and two hours from the Atlantic coast. North Carolina’s fourth largest metropolitan area, the city of Fayetteville is home to over 250,000 residents and has received the All-America City Award from the National Civic League three times.

The city is the home of Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation located northwest of the city. About 50,000 military personnel are stationed at Fort Bragg, which also employs 10,000 civilians.

The regional center for jobs, Fayetteville offers a broad variety of cultural, entertainment, and sports opportunities for residents and visitors. Downtown Fayetteville’s sidewalk cafes and locally owned shops and restaurants reflect the cosmopolitan nature of this city and have enhanced the energy and engagement of the community overall.

The area offers a world-class botanical garden, the Symphony Orchestra, miles of historic trails, recreational spaces and pools, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum of the U.S. Army, the annual Dogwood Festival, the International Folk Festival, and the Umoja (African American) and Greek festivals.

A minor league team for the Houston Astros will play in the new baseball stadium scheduled for completion this year. Sports fans also can enjoy arena league football and minor league hockey.

Only 60 miles from the State Capital of Raleigh, the city has one of the nation’s most affordable housing markets. Fayetteville’s comprehensive educational offerings contribute to making the city a great place to live and raise a family, with public, charter, and private schools available. The weather is seasonal, with mild winters. With the city centrally located between the North Carolina mountains and the Atlantic coast, day trips to snow ski or to swim are possible.

Application and Nomination Process

Confidential inquiries are welcomed; nominations are invited.

To Apply - Applications must include: 1) Letter of interest, 2) Current resume or curriculum vitae, and 3) At least five references with full contact information, including e-mails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)

Submit applications to MU-VPAdv@myersmcrae.com by May 27, 2019, for best consideration. The search remains open until the position is filled.

Submit nominations to MU-VPAdv-Nominate@myersmcrae.com with individual’s full contact and e-mail information.

Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, Senior Vice President, of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, are assisting the University with this search.

Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disabilities for otherwise qualified persons in the administration of its admissions, educational policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, employment or any other university-sponsored or advertised program.

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting

515 Mulberry Street, Suite 200, Macon, Georgia 31201

(478) 330-6222 | www.myersmcrae.com