Job Description

About Us

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) invites applications and nominations for the appointment of Associate Vice President (AVP) for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Educational Foundation.

Virginia Peninsula Community College is an accredited, two-year institution of higher education founded in 1967, as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. VPCC primarily serves the residents of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York. Our mission to “change lives and transform our community” is accomplished through continuous improvement, grounded in a desire for excellence, and demonstrated by our culture of care. The culture is built upon a foundation of compassionate engagement, authentic communication, responsible teams, effective outcomes, and servant leadership.

Since VPCC’s inaugural semester in 1968, residents of the Virginia Peninsula have looked to the main Hampton Campus for high-quality and affordable education. Since its founding, the college expanded its reach with new locations to provide learning opportunities in the beautiful Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg, the Toano Trades Center in James City County, the Southeast Higher Education Center in Newport News, and most recently, the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Development.

The Position

The Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Education Foundation is a key member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team. In support of the College’s Strategic Plan and grounded in our Culture of Care, the AVP is responsible for leading and significantly enhancing fundraising efforts at Virginia Peninsula Community College. This pivotal role will strategically drive fundraising initiatives, emphasizing support for student success programs, athletics, theater, performing arts, faculty innovation, and capital expansion projects. The AVP serves as the primary liaison to the Foundation, ensuring alignment with college priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plans focused on the college’s highest priorities.
• Develop methods to assess and enhance fundraising programs by regularly reviewing the performance of fundraising initiatives and introducing improvements to optimize their effectiveness.
• Proactively identify and pursue grant opportunities from a wide range of sources.
• Actively represent the college at public functions and events. Build and manage a robust philanthropic pipeline, proactively engaging community leaders, board members, alumni, volunteers, business entities, and stakeholders.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute impactful fundraising events, leveraging community engagement opportunities to expand donor relationships.
• Secure substantial philanthropic contributions by managing a targeted portfolio of high-potential prospects and donors.
• Plan and organize capital campaigns focused on building assets and capacity for the college.
• Create dynamic annual giving campaigns to cultivate consistent support from alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Develop a donor-centric stewardship strategy, ensuring meaningful recognition and long-term engagement with the college.
• Collaborate closely with the Foundation Board to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and actions aligned with the Foundation’s strategic mission.
• Partner directly with executive leadership, and Senior Management to strategically align fundraising activities with college priorities.
• Recruit, develop, supervise, and evaluate Institutional Advancement/Foundation staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
• Oversee foundation budget preparation, management, and fiscal accountability, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Implement and optimize fundraising technology platforms, ensuring accurate data management and strategic use of resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Proven leadership experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement, with at least five (5) years of progressive responsibility in successful fundraising and campaign management, including a minimum of three (3) years supervising teams.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and secure major philanthropic gifts.
• Exceptional skill in clearly articulating institutional vision, strategic priorities, and funding opportunities.
• Expertise in managing foundation operations, including board development, engagement, and governance in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of public relations, marketing strategies, and grant-writing processes.
• Effective financial management, resource planning, and budgeting skills.
• Proficient in creating professional fundraising materials, publications, and presentations.
• Superior interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, adept at engaging various stakeholders

Education, Experience, Certifications

• Master’s Degree or higher in business, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or related fields.
• Significant experience in fundraising, development, or advancement, preferably within higher education.
• Demonstrated success in high-pressure environments requiring excellent customer service and relationship-building.
• Experience with customer relationship management systems designed for fundraising efforts.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to cultivate donor relationships.

Request Full Profile Here

Buffkin / Baker is assisting Virginia Peninsula Community College in the search, which will remain open until it is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by October 13, 2025. Applications should include a 1) current resume and 2) letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner

Buffkin /Baker

martin@buffkinbaker.com