Located along the shores of Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) is a nationally regarded, coeducational liberal arts institution known for preparing students to lead lives of consequence. With a deeply relationship-rich culture, HWS combines rigorous academics, accessible and accomplished faculty, and a strong emphasis on mentorship to help students connect their talents and ambitions to meaningful futures. The Colleges’ academic model encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication across disciplines, supported by experiential learning that extends from classroom inquiry to real-world discovery.
As HWS approaches its third century, the institution is at a moment of opportunity shaped by momentum, confidence, and ambition. With nationally ranked faculty, a vibrant residential and athletic community, and a growing portfolio of graduate programs, HWS continues to strengthen its reputation and impact. The Colleges’ setting, mission-driven culture, and commitment to outcomes-focused education create a compelling environment for leaders who value both tradition and forward-looking innovation.
The Opportunity
Hobart and William Smith Colleges seeks a Vice President for Advancement to serve as a key ambassador for philanthropic partnerships. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the cabinet, the Vice President will provide strategic leadership for all advancement and alumni/alumnae relations efforts while advancing a culture of philanthropy aligned with the Colleges’ mission and values.
HWS is well underway with Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century, a $400M comprehensive campaign already marked by historic success, including a transformational $70M commitment and multiple record-setting fundraising years. The Vice President will play a pivotal role in bringing this campaign to a successful close while shaping the advancement agenda that follows, strengthening the donor pipeline, modernizing systems and practices, and connecting engagement to philanthropy across alumni, parents, and friends.
The incoming leader will join a high-performing, long-tenured advancement team recognized for its collaborative and positive culture. This role calls for a strategic, authentic, and inspiring leader who communicates an aspirational vision, mentors strong teams, and partners closely with trustees and senior leadership. For an experienced advancement professional energized by building momentum in a storied liberal arts environment, this is a distinctive chance to help shape HWS’s next century and to chart a path forward together.
The salary range for this position is $225,000–$250,000.
