Southwestern University continues to gain in stature as one of the top national liberal arts universities in the United States. Situated in the fastest-growing city in the country and in one of the hottest tech economies, Southwestern gives students opportunities to learn and grow in an area Bankrate calls the number one location in quality of life and the number one place to launch a career.

As Southwestern enters its 183rd year, it is investing more than $120 million in capital improvements. At the heart of these improvements is a one-of-a-kind liberal arts community that will be a natural extension of campus and provide a range of economic, cultural, and educational benefits, including serving as an educational and innovation hub for the area’s rapidly growing tech economy.

As it builds on the successes of the past and secures the promises of the future, the University remains grounded in its Core Purpose, Mission, and Values: fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity.

The Opportunity

Reporting to President Laura Skandera Trombley and serving as a member of the senior cabinet, the Vice President for University Relations (VPUR) will lead a comprehensive advancement division as the institution continues to invest in its fundraising and alumni relations program.

The incoming VPUR will have the opportunity to envision the next stage of growth as the University concludes a successful campaign and prepares for its next major philanthropic initiative. The upward trajectory of Southwestern’s advancement division mirrors the forward momentum of the University itself. Southwestern may have a storied history going back to its founding in 1840, but it is moving boldly into the future.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in fundraising at major and principal gift levels as well as experience leading within a mission-centered liberal arts environment. They will draw on their record of philanthropic leadership as they partner with an extraordinarily talented and fundraising-savvy president to guide Southwestern into a thrilling new chapter.