Vice Chancellor for University Advancement,
Communications, and Engagement
Office of the Chancellor

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery--a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $190,000 - $235,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: Hybrid

Benefits at a Glance
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary
The Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement supports the Chancellor in administrative and financial duties by leading strategic outreach, resource development, and engagement efforts. This position oversees a comprehensive fundraising and engagement portfolio exceeding $15 million annually, along with alumni relations, government and military relations, commencement and executive events, marketing and communications, media relations, university branding, community engagement, and UCCS Downtown. The Vice Chancellor is a critical member of the university Executive Leadership Team and collaborates to enhance the institutional reputation and foster meaningful stakeholder relationships.

UCCS, a high research activity institution and one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system, has a broad range of degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in business, education, engineering, nursing and health sciences, and public service. UCCS seeks to provide unsurpassed, student-centered teaching and learning and outstanding research and creative work that serve our community, region, state, and nation as a premier comprehensive, regional research university. The campus, founded in 1965, enrolls approximately 10,500 students annually and offers 56 baccalaureate degree programs, 31 master's programs, and ten doctoral programs.

The Division of University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement at UCCS is dedicated to elevating the university's mission by fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing institutional visibility, and securing critical resources. Through innovative fundraising, alumni and donor relations, government and military partnerships, branding, marketing, and community engagement, the division strengthens UCCS's reputation and impact. By driving collaborative initiatives and stewarding vital relationships, University Advancement is pivotal in advancing the university's long-term success and commitment to students, faculty, and the broader community.

Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Team Leadership:
  • Cultivate a high-performing team by setting strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and supporting professional development.
  • Guide the Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships in developing and stewarding Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) that enhance university initiatives.
• Strategic Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Drive fundraising strategy, ensuring the cultivation of major gifts and strong relationships with CU System, CU Foundation, donors, corporate partners, and alumni.
  • Lead a high-performing team in closing large, complex gifts and securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance university priorities.
  • Responsible for donor pipeline management, ensuring effective donor stewardship, reporting, and fundraising metrics to maintain lifelong engagement.
  • Accountable for meeting or exceeding annual fundraising targets through strategic donor engagement and innovative development strategies.
• Institutional Branding & Public Relations: Provide strategic oversight of university branding, media relations, and marketing to enhance visibility and reputation. Shape strategic communication plans that align with institutional goals and stakeholder confidence.
• Government, Community & Military Relations: Advocate for university interests by fostering relationships with federal, state, and local government officials. Advance public funding opportunities and expand partnerships that support military-affiliated students.
• Event Planning & University Engagement: Provide executive oversight for major university events, including commencement, to maximize engagement with students, alumni, faculty, and the community.
• Strategic Communication & Recruitment Support: Enhance the university's brand and mission by working collaboratively with Marketing and Communications and Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) to strengthen recruitment initiatives, partnerships, and outreach efforts.
• University Representation & Strategic Partnerships: Represent UCCS at key events and serve on community boards to build partnerships that advance institutional goals.
• Collaboration with CU System & University Leadership: Ensure advancement efforts align with CU System initiatives while collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Deans, Center & Institute Leaders, and Faculty to integrate advancement strategies with academic priorities.
• Financial Oversight: Provide executive direction for budget and resource allocation ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with university policies. Works closely with ELT on strategic financial planning and visioning for UCCS.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Communications, Humanities or Public Administration. An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.

• Experience in fundraising and development with direct involvement in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

• Strong leadership experience in fundraising is required.

• Leadership in alumni relations, marketing, government relations, or related areas is highly desired.

• Ability to work effectively with university leadership, donors, and community partners to achieve institutional goals.

• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to make high-level decisions in complex environments.

• Experience in collaborating and working with system-level fundraising and donor support.

• Experience in higher education fundraising and working with national foundations is highly desirable.

• Experience managing a portfolio of major and principal gifts donors and experience closing large, complex gifts.

• Proven ability to drive innovation within dynamic team environments and lead adaptive changes to advance institutional goals.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: March 30, 2025.
• Potential interview dates: March 31, 2025 - April 11, 2025.

• Potential start date: June 1, 2025.

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. All hiring decisions are made based on job-related qualifications, skills, and experience. We are committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and legally compliant hiring process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.