Situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Whitman College combines a top-notch liberal arts education experience with opportunities for engagement and exploration. Preparing students for the world beyond the campus since 1882, Whitman brings together more than 1,500 students from 45 states and 30 different countries. The college places strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, promoting and celebrating differences as a vehicle to enhance global perspectives and understanding. A hallmark that bests sums up its essence is that Whitman offers “a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.”
Whitman students live and work on a residential campus that doubles as both an arboretum and an outdoor art museum. Located in a welcoming college town, it is a place that is home to an extraordinary diversity of talents, interests, activities and people. At Whitman, students are encouraged to extend themselves intellectually, collaborate with others and be involved in the campus and the Walla Walla community. Professors challenge and support students, friendships are profound, resources are significant, and inspiration comes from being in a community dedicated to making a difference in the world.
The Opportunity
The Associate Vice President for Development (AVP) will play a key role for Whitman as it concludes a strategic planning process that will outline bold aspirations for Whitman’s future, while building on the college’s historic strengths. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership skills as s/he will guide, inspire and mentor staff managing various development teams charged with engaging and encouraging giving among Whitman alumni, family, and friends. The AVP, along with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and other key institutional leaders, is charged with bringing strategic planning ideas and plans to fruition through an ambitious fundraising agenda and campaign.
Successful implementation of the key points identified in the strategic planning process will allow Whitman to strengthen its commitment to a focused, rigorous liberal arts education that places a high value on building relationships and a strong, diverse community. The chosen candidate will have experience working with alumni of small, private, liberal arts institutions, as well as familiarity with working within a rigorous campaign environment. Experience in, and a proven track record with, individual, major and principal gifts is required.
