The Organization
Williams College seeks nominations and applications for a vice president for college relations. One of the nation’s preeminent liberal arts colleges, Williams is distinguished by its reputation for outstanding teaching and scholarship, the academic excellence of its students, and the exceptional loyalty of its alumni. Among its liberal arts college peers, Williams enjoys an unparalleled legacy of success in advancement and alumni engagement that is intrinsically linked to its mission and values. Reporting to the president, the vice president for college relations is an integral member of the leadership team that sets the strategic direction for the college.
Position Overview
The new vice president for college relations will be an experienced, senior advancement professional with a compelling combination of fundraising, alumni relations, and program/personnel leadership experience and success. Experience at the leadership level of a comprehensive campaign is a requirement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a personal track record of considerable success as a major/principal gift fundraiser, including as the primary strategist and/or solicitor of gifts at the seven- and eight-figure level. The vice president will lead a talented and motivated staff of 90 in a division that includes development, alumni relations, advancement information services, and career services. The successful candidate will exhibit a holistic approach to college relations that values all the ways in which the college’s external constituencies can add value to the college and to the student experience.
The new vice president will be an inventive and strategic leader who brings outstanding organizational, communication, and management skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate success as the leader of a comprehensive advancement program of similar scope and complexity. At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience is required, and candidates with a track record of volunteer management and program development are strongly desired. The vice president will be a champion of the liberal arts and understand and embody institutional values of diversity and inclusion. Previous experience in an institutional environment similar to Williams will be a substantial advantage. The successful candidate will have experience with and appreciation for the application of contemporary research and communication technologies in the advancement context, particularly in efforts to engage an increasingly diverse alumni body. A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree is preferred.
Additional information about Williams College is available at www.williams.edu. More information about this position, including a full leadership profile, is available at www.wittkieffer.com.
How To Apply
Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this leadership profile. These materials should be sent electronically via email to Williams College’s consultants, Dennis M. Barden, Mercedes C. Vance, and Jennifer Desjarlais, at WilliamsVPCR@wittkieffer.com. The consultants can be reached by phone care of Laurie Adams at 630-575-6152.
Williams College values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.