Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer

The West Virginia University Foundation seeks a dynamic Senior Vice
President for Development and Chief Development Officer (SVP) to
lead a highly motivated, complex development operation to even
greater levels of success. This position is perfectly suited for an
innovative, forward-looking fundraiser who is energized by
developing fundraising strategies that could have a lasting impact
well into the future of the Foundation and University. This
executive succeeds BJ Davisson, who has served in this role with
great distinction since 2015.

The WVU Foundation houses a team of collaborative professionals
dedicated to maximizing charitable support for the University, its
faculty, and students, as well as for WVU Medicine and its
patients. WVU is committed to promoting education, healthcare,
prosperity, and purpose as part of its land-grant mission. The WVU
Foundation is poised for a transformative period and has achieved
results unprecedented in the history of the Foundation. This
positions the Foundation for the next phase of growth and continued
impact among the WVU and WVU Medicine Community. The future for
West Virginia University will be rooted in purpose, focusing on
market-driven programs delivering in-demand skills. Therefore, the
next Foundation strategic plan will support initiatives aimed at
boosting student success, advancing health and wellness, and
discovering solutions to real world problems.

The SVP is the chief architect of fundraising strategies and
reports directly to the President of the Foundation. The role
involves oversight of all aspects of development activities, from
annual giving to major, and to leadership/principal and planned
giving. The SVP is expected to lead with an innovative approach to
developing fundraising programs that align with WVU’s strategic
objectives, ensuring the Foundation’s goals are met and exceeded.
Additionally, this leader will mentor and manage a talented team of
development professionals, fostering an environment that encourages
professional growth and high performance.

This new leader will bring a robust portfolio of skills in
fundraising, leadership, organizational change management, capable
of partnering with the President of the Foundation to steer the
organization into its next era of success. This is an exceptional
opportunity to influence the future of West Virigina University and
its affiliates, requiring a leader who is visionary yet pragmatic,
with a deep understanding of complex fundraising landscapes and the
ability to align them with strategic academic and institutional
goals.

The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree or equivalent and
10-15 years of fundraising experience in roles demonstrating
progressive levels of fundraising management and leadership.
Significant experience leading a fundraising operation in a complex
and decentralized academic setting where ambitious comprehensive
campaign goals were established and achieved is preferred.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.
Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume
and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership
profile which can be found at wittkieffer.com.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s
candidate
portal.

WittKieffer is assisting West Virginia University Foundation in
this search, which will remain open until an appointment is
made.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

John Thornburgh and Ashlee Winters Musser

[email protected]

West Virginia University Foundation acts in a manner that
supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Foundation. We are a
world-class Foundation that embraces every community member, donor,
volunteer, and employee to create a meaningful impact for those
touched by the WVUF.

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