Davenport University is a non-profit, private university with the distinctive mission of preparing students for in-demand careers in business, technology, health, and urban education. With campuses across Michigan, including the recent establishment of a downtown Detroit campus, Davenport’s roots reach back to 1866, and today is the second largest non-profit university in Michigan. Its unique and critical mission reflects a long tradition of providing affordable, career-oriented educational opportunities for students.

With President Richard J. Pappas leading the institution to achieve Vision 2020, an ambitious strategic plan to improve outcomes across all activities through quality initiatives, Davenport is at an important juncture in its history as it moves forward to enhance its academic programming, market position and financial strength.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President, the incoming Executive Vice President (EVP) for Alumni and Development will inherit an advancement program that has seen recent growth and success, including the completion of the University’s first comprehensive campaign, supporting the new Donald W. Maine College of Business Building, a new College of Urban Education, and student scholarships.

To realize its vision and take Davenport into a new campaign, the EVP must be a strategic builder as well as provide inclusive leadership to continue to develop the team, important relationships with donors, and further enhance the culture of philanthropy.