UW-Whitewater - Wisconsin - Vice Chancellor for University Relations

Ben Strand

Vice Chancellor for University Relations - 19443

ATTENTION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater invites applicants and nominations for‎ the position of Vice Chancellor for University Relations and President of the UW-Whitewater Foundation (EX011).

This will be a full-time Limited Appointment serving at the pleasure of the Chancellor. To learn more about this type of appointment please see the UW System Administrative Policy 1251: Appointment Terms & Designation of Positions and the Personnel Rules.

JOB DETAILS:

The Vice Chancellor serves as a key member of the Chancellor's Cabinet and oversees the Departments responsible for University Marketing and Communications, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement as well as the UW-Whitewater Foundation.

The Vice Chancellor ‎works closely with the Chancellor, Cabinet, academic Deans and the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board to align University priorities and to execute well-researched, results-oriented strategies and tactics for University relationships including alumni engagement and philanthropy. A passion for the mission of UW-Whitewater and higher education is a must. The ability to mobilize a variety of constituents in the service of that mission is key to the success of this position.

As an officer of the Foundation and an employee of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Vice Chancellor for University Relations is responsible for implementing the approved investment policies and development of investment processes and procedures for asset allocation, financial risk management, investment manager selection and termination, allocation, monitoring and evaluation, and the identification of management strategies that will improve the investment efficiency of the Foundation’s assets.

The Vice Chancellor for University Relations manages the endowment, working capital, and cash assets under the policies, guidelines, and performance benchmarks established by the Foundation. The Vice Chancellor, along with the Foundation CFO, is to implement those policies and guidelines by selecting, executing, and monitoring investment strategies designed to add value over the benchmarks within a risk-controlled framework. The Vice Chancellor is to adhere to high ethical standards, as well as professional standards, in serving the investment and financial management needs of the University, and in setting the culture for these standards across the division’s operations.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has selected a new Chancellor that began work in March 2023. The University and the Foundation are in the midst of developing new strategic plans and anticipate beginning a campaign in the near future. The Vice Chancellor will be a key leader in bringing those projects to completion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

· A minimum of ten years of experience in advancement, including ongoing interaction with advisory boards, preferably in higher education or an organization of similar complexity

· Proven track record ‎of achieving institutional fundraising goals, as well as a personal history of fundraising success at the major gift level

· Campaign experience and/or experience designing broad-based engagement strategies

· The ability to analyze data for effective decision-making

· Demonstrated skill at setting goals and measuring success, and an agility in addressing alternate program directions to meet goals when necessary

· Demonstrated ability to manage, support and advocate for staff and division leaders

· Proven commitment to diversity and inclusion

· Exemplary communication skills, both verbal and written

· ‎Astute interpersonal skills, with a contagious enthusiasm for the work and a relentlessly collaborative style

· A master’s degree or higher is required

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· The recruitment, retention and ongoing development of an energetic and goal-oriented team

· ‎The design, implementation and continuous improvement of annual operating plans that utilize best practices to create efficiencies and increase resources and visibility for the University

· The design and execution of University campaigns: targeted and comprehensive

· The personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, in partnership with the Chancellor

· The oversight of the University-wide marketing and communications functions in support of enrollment management, growth of academic programs, and the overall reputation and visibility of the institution

· The oversight of alumni relations activities that foster lifelong engagement with the University community

· The development and management of the divisional annual budget

· Serve as the President of the UW-Whitewater Foundation and is responsible for staffing, Foundation board meetings, and activities

· Cooperate fully with inquiries and audits related to the Foundation operations from both the University of Wisconsin System and the UW-Whitewater Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs and to promptly make corrections to any findings as requested

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

Founded in 1868, UW–Whitewater is one of eleven comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two doctoral institutions and a statewide Extension. UW-Whitewater’s main campus is located in Whitewater, with a branch campus in Rock County, in the city of Janesville. Together, these campuses form a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. UW-Whitewater’s campuses are located conveniently near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, and thus offer the advantage of beautiful small-town environments with easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas.

The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These include both on-campus and online programs, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary programs.

UW-Whitewater has a special mission within the UW System to serve students with disabilities and, as such, embraces the principles of universal design and is one of the most accessible campuses in the nation. The campuses have more than 200 student organizations and UW-Whitewater’s intercollegiate athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division-III level. UW-Whitewater is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment, building a diverse faculty and staff with expertise and interest in serving students with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and other distinct characteristics in respectful, sensitive and understanding ways. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.