The first American-style, English language, liberal arts educational institution in Eastern Europe, the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a unique cooperative venture established with the support of the U.S. and Bulgarian governments, the Open Society Institute, and the University of Maine. AUBG is a privately funded, nonprofit institution. Tuition and private donations, as well as grants, finance its educational activities. It opened its doors in September 1991, with a first-year class of 208 students and 16 full-time faculty members. Today, around 1,100 curious, committed, and talented students from over 40 countries have come together to live and study in a supportive and secure community and immerse themselves in AUBG’s first-rate American liberal arts education.

The Opportunity

The Vice President for Advancement (VPA) is a new position and much of the work of the VPA will, similarly, be new. Ideal for a self-starter of great initiative and with a strong track record of raising major and planned gifts, the VPA will be a key presence in the United States philanthropic market for AUBG. S/He will begin from a foundation of building relationships with current trustees and alumni in the U.S. and, from this base, identify potential donors and cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts from individuals and foundations not currently involved with AUBG, but who have interest in supporting the first liberal arts college in Eastern Europe.

The incumbent will manage an office of six that is based in Bulgaria while conducting significant outreach activities in the United States and abroad. Working closely with the President, the VPA will support current relationships with donors and establish new relationships in Bulgaria, the United States, and abroad.

*This professional will work remotely with frequent travel to Bulgaria and in general.