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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The full search profile, including details about the institution, position, qualifications, and application process, can be downloaded at the link above.