the client is a private, not-for-profit educational institution focused on culinary, food, beverage, and hospitality education, with programs, industry leadership conferences, consultancy, training and certifications, and public-facing dining and retail offerings. The client emphasizes the relationship between food and health, the environment, and a vibrant, equitable economy, supported by a global alumni network and broad industry impact. The organization is pursuing a “Vision 2035” growth strategy, in which leadership and a board will co-create and implement a future-facing plan to expand its global role in education and thought leadership.
the client is seeking a Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations to lead a high-performing team across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, conference and collaborative sponsorships, alumni engagement, and advancement operations. The role will serve as an ambassador to alumni, donors, trustees, and industry leaders, and will be responsible for shaping and executing a development and alumni relations strategy that supports the client’s evolving academic portfolio, organizational structures, global initiatives, and institutional priorities. The Vice President is expected to report to the President and be part of the President’s leadership team.
The ideal candidate will bring progressive leadership experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising, with broad knowledge of modern philanthropy best practices. The position calls for an energetic, collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, internal stakeholders, industry leaders, and strategic partners. The role is expected to include extensive senior-level leadership within a nonprofit fundraising environment, experience overseeing teams, and demonstrated success developing a case for support and executing strategic, innovative fundraising plans, including work with individual and institutional funding sources and management of major fundraising efforts and capital campaigns.