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The University of Virginia’s College at Wise seeks an accomplished, energetic, and creative Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement to lead a dynamic, successful team in securing financial sustainability and programmatic growth for the College and the constituencies it serves.

A member of the prestigious Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise is an inspiring place to teach, lead, learn, and call home. With a student faculty ratio of 13:1 and 2,086 students, UVA Wise is committed to excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and individual growth, as well as to the advancement of our region through economic development.

The only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville, UVA Wise has a beautiful campus that is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, students learn from faculty who are encouraged to engage in scholarship and service that complements their teaching, and our environment is ideal for the task. In addition to Appalachian arts and culture, on-campus wetlands and impressive geography, and a region full of opportunities for study and outdoor adventure, there are many opportunities to build partnerships with organizations, agencies, and businesses in the area and beyond. Professional staff and a dedicated senior leadership team are driven by the vital mission of ensuring access and affordability to this robust, quality higher education.

The Leadership Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement serves as a key member of the Chancellor’s Senior Leadership Team and is an active and invested participant in making strategic decisions affecting the College. In partnership with the Chancellor, the position is responsible for all areas of fundraising and friendraising to advance the College with alumni, friends, and community partners. The successful candidate will be a leader in forging relationships to build the College’s visibility, impact, and financial resources and in enhancing its partnership with the University of Virginia, its parent institution.

The Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement reports directly to the Chancellor and will lead the college’s efforts in alumni engagement and fundraising. The Vice Chancellor will oversee all fundraising (annual gifts, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate and foundation gifts), alumni engagement, and all campaign and fundraising activities. The Vice Chancellor leads the management, integration, and alignment of all advancement functions.

A search profile with detailed information about UVA Wise, a full position description, and minimum and preferred qualifications for the Vice Chancellor is available for download at the link above.

Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries

Academic Search is partnering with UVA Wise in this search. Confidential discussions about the position are welcome and may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant, Lisa Ryan: lisa.ryan@academicsearch.org.

Nominations and inquiries can be sent to UVAWiseVCD@academicsearch.org. Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations to the email above. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, position, employer, and email address. Academic Search will notify people of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.

To apply, candidates should submit a detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, expressing their interest in this position and addressing how they meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in this profile, and a current curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments. Application documents should be submitted to the following link: https://www.academicsearch.org/UVAWiseVCDApply

For full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit their application materials by January 11, 2027. The Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement has an expected start date of June 2027.

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.