Job Description

About Us

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) invites applications and nominations for the appointment of Director of Development.

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, the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Development, and most recently, the Newport News Trades Center.

At-A-Glance

In Academic Year 2024-2025 the College served 9,119 students in credit instruction, making it the sixth largest college within the Virginia Community College System. In addition, VPCC serves over 1,500 students per year in short-term workforce development programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high demand fields. Students at VPCC are taught and mentored by 78 full-time faculty, 223 part-time adjunct faculty, 159 full-time staff, and 41 part-time staff.

At VPCC, diversity is not just reflected in our classrooms, it defines who we are. Our faculty, staff, and students represent a broad spectrum of identities, experiences, and perspectives that mirror the vibrant communities we proudly serve across the region. From cultural heritage and life experience to professional background and personal aspirations, our college community embodies the strength that comes from difference. This rich tapestry of diversity fuels innovation, fosters inclusion, and prepares our students to thrive in an interconnected world.

VPCC serves a region that is home to many military service members and their families. In Academic Year 2024-2025, 27% of Virginia Peninsula credit students indicated a military affiliation (e.g., active-duty, veteran, military spouse, or military dependent).

VPCC has over 30,000 alumni, and 78% of VPCC graduates remain in Virginia, driving significant economic impact to the Commonwealth with an average rate of return on investment for taxpayers of 8.9%. This percentage is significantly higher than the rage of all 4-year colleges and universities in Virginia.

Academics

Virginia Peninsula Community College offers diverse academic programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for career success and further education. VPCC offers programs of study in:

• Arts, Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences

• Public Safety, Allied Health, and Human Services

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

In 2024, VPCC proudly unveiled its new Bridge Program. This reimagining of VPCC’s transfer articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities focuses on individuals who intend to start their college education at VPCC and transfer to regional, baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, including Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University, ECPI, George Mason University, and Hampton University. Students will now have access to several benefits designed to help transfer students succeed, such as: need-based financial aid, waived application fees, priority consideration for housing, assistance with planning courses, guaranteed acceptance of all transferable credits from VPCC, built-in reverse transfer component to earn an associate’s degree if not earned prior to transfer, and early access to transfer institutions’ academic resources, campus facilities, and academic advising.

Life on Campus

VPCC students come from across the Peninsula and beyond to be part of this vibrant community. Student life is community-centered, offering students numerous opportunities to engage, lead, and grow beyond the classroom. With campuses in Hampton and the Historic Triangle, VPCC fosters a dynamic environment where students can connect through a variety of activities and support services. Students can participate in a range of clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests.

Through the Student Government Association and many other clubs, we aim to create an environment that provides avenues for students to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and explore new interests. Athletics also play a significant role in campus life. VPCC competes in the NJCAA Region 10, offering sports like baseball, basketball, cheer, cross-country, soccer, track and field, and volleyball. These programs not only promote physical wellness but also instill teamwork and school spirit among students.

Beyond extracurriculars, VPCC emphasizes a culture of care through its support services. We have tutoring services, food pantries, tele-mental health services, and emergency scholarships. Additionally, a variety of community service opportunities exist which encourage students to give back to the local area. Overall, VPCC offers a well-rounded student experience that balances academic pursuits with personal development, ensuring students are well-equipped for their future endeavors.

Workforce Development

Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Workforce Development unit collaborates with our business community to create short-term training and customized courses to meet local businesses organization’s needs. Enrollment in our workforce programs have grown by over 20% since last year and students who complete our programs and receive industry-recognized credentials experience significant wage gains. To ensure that our training programs are easily accessible, individuals are able to enroll at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center in Hampton, the Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg, the Toano Trades Center in James City County, and the Newport News Trades Center.

The Virginia Peninsula: A Thriving Hub of Innovation, Industry, and Opportunity

The Virginia Peninsula is a thriving region that blends rich history with cutting-edge innovation, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Home to some of Virginia’s largest employers and most strategic industries, the Peninsula offers a wealth of career opportunities across sectors including defense, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, research, and tourism.

The region boasts nationally and globally recognized institutions such as Huntington Ingalls Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding, the latter being Virginia’s largest industrial employer and the sole builder of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. NASA Langley Research Center and Jefferson Lab fuel scientific advancement through their work in aeronautics and nuclear physics, while Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace contribute to our national security and innovation in defense technologies.

Major companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Canon Virginia, and the Liebherr Group anchor the region’s manufacturing strength, while Dominion Energy leads the way in renewable energy and infrastructure development. Health care systems including Riverside, Sentara, Bon Secours, and Eastern State Hospital serve the region’s wellness needs while offering diverse career pathways in health professions. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg preserves and promotes the area’s heritage as the world’s largest living history museum, drawing global tourism and educational engagement.

With a vibrant business ecosystem, exceptional quality of life, and deep community roots, the Virginia Peninsula offers the next Director of Development a powerful platform to engage industry partners and propel Virginia Peninsula Community College—and its students—into a bold and promising future.

College Leadership

Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, President of Virginia Peninsula Community College, is a dynamic and visionary leader guiding the institution into a bold new era of excellence and impact. With a deep commitment to innovation, community engagement, and student success, Dr. Brannon has positioned the College as a catalyst for talent development and economic mobility across the region. Her leadership is marked by strategic growth, collaborative partnerships, and a forward-looking approach that aligns academic and workforce programs with the evolving needs of students, employers, and the broader community. Under her guidance, Virginia Peninsula is not only meeting the moment—it is shaping the future. The next Director of Development be a vital member of Dr. Brannon’s senior leadership team—serving as both a trusted advisor and a bold champion of the College’s mission. This individual will play an essential role in advancing institutional growth through fundraising, strategic partnerships, and donor engagement, and will help ensure the College continues to thrive as a regional leader in higher education and workforce development.

The President’s Cabinet is composed of five vice presidents and a chief of staff. They are a collaborative leadership team dedicated to continuous improvement, student success, and sustaining the College’s strong culture of care. Focused on strategic alignment and operational excellence, the Cabinet works together to create a supportive environment where students are valued, employees are empowered, and the well-being of the entire college community is prioritized.

Exciting Opportunities for the Director of Development

Virginia Peninsula Community College stands at a defining moment in its history—experiencing consecutive years of enrollment growth after nearly a decade of decline, revitalized school spirit, and deepened community engagement. These conditions set the stage for a new Director of Development to play a pivotal role in propelling the College forward during one of its most dynamic eras.

• Grand Reopening of the Mary T. Christian Theater This newly renovated, state-of-the-art venue—named in honor of renowned educator and state delegate Dr. Mary T. Christian—will open its doors as a premier cultural hub. Seating nearly 500 guests, the theater will host artistic performances, civic dialogues, and community events, enriching the region’s cultural landscape and providing new fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.

• Expansion of Workforce Training in Southeast Newport News The College is establishing its third skilled trades center to meet critical workforce needs in the construction and maritime industries. Located in Southeast Newport News, this cutting-edge training facility reflects VPCC’s commitment to regional economic development and community revitalization.

• A New Student Success Center in Hampton In celebration of VPCC’s 60th anniversary, the College will break ground on a transformative, three-story facility that will replace several legacy buildings. This new space will house a one-stop student support center, advanced Cybersecurity labs, and a 200-seat catering hall—offering both naming opportunities and a strong case for philanthropic investment.

• Launching a Major Gifts Campaign For the first time in over two decades, VPCC will embark on a major gifts campaign aligned with its 60th anniversary celebration. This campaign will be a cornerstone of the College’s future and a signature opportunity for the new Director of Development to lead with vision, strategy, and measurable impact. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a bold development professional to help shape the future of this forward looking institution.

Virginia Peninsula Community College Education Foundation

Founded in 1979, the Educational Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the primary goal of securing private financial assistance. This support is intended to enhance existing programs, attract funding for new courses, and contribute to the overall growth and development of educational services. The Foundation allocates funds to diverse initiatives, such as scholarships, faculty development, program assistance, and addressing capital requirements. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of passionate and talented leaders that represent many of the region's largest and most impactful industries and organizations. Through their leadership, the Foundation is able to advocate across the Peninsula for deeper investment in VPCC and its students. Annually, the Foundation sustains over 65 scholarships and provides backing for a broad spectrum of academic programs. The Foundation holds assets of over $16 million, and each year distributes approximately $250,000 in direct scholarship aid to students and approximately $600,000 in program and initiative support for VPCC. Through these contributions, the Foundation serves as a critical engine for student success and innovative programs and practices.

The Position

The Director of Development is Virginia Peninsula Community College’s senior fundraising leader, responsible for advancing the mission of the College and its Educational Foundation through comprehensive development efforts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, this role oversees all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns, and manages relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and community donors.

The Director provides leadership and supervision for the development team, ensuring the capacity, strategy, and performance needed to meet fundraising goals. This position requires strong leadership, proven fundraising expertise, and a commitment to supporting access and opportunity in community college education.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Plan and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, special events, and private grants.

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, conducting purposeful in-person and virtual visits.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with capacity for significant gifts.

• Advance prospects through the full donor engagement cycle using effective moves-management practices.

• Develop compelling, donor-centered proposals, gift strategies, and impact reports.

• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals in partnership with College leadership.

Stewardship & Donor Relations

• Design and implement stewardship strategies that demonstrate donor impact and encourage continued investment.

• Coordinate donor engagement activities, including campus visits, scholarship events, and special gatherings.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and records.

• Support donor communications, including impact updates, newsletters, and annual reporting.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor development staff, providing direction, training, and performance accountability.

• Collaborate with the President, Board members, faculty, staff, and volunteers to support peer-to-peer fundraising.

• Represent the Foundation and College at donor meetings, community events, and professional conferences.

• Build relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and philanthropic networks.

• Communicate a clear and compelling case for support aligned with the College’s mission and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution (preferably in marketing, business, nonprofit management, or a related field) and several years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in major gift solicitation. A proven record of personally securing major gifts is required, along with experience managing fundraising campaigns, donor portfolios, and donor database systems.

Required knowledge and experience include:

• Leading fundraising and donor engagement efforts within a nonprofit or higher education environment

• Cultivating and soliciting support from executives and high-capacity donors • Applying current development best practices and stewardship strategies

• Managing nonprofit budgets and financial operations

• Supervising staff through effective training, communication, and performance management

• Maintaining accurate prospect and donor records using donor management systems

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM software

Key skills include:

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication

• Financial management and budgeting

• Presenting information to senior leadership and decision-makers

• Team leadership and collaboration

• Analytical problem-solving and adaptability

Candidates must be able to:

• Collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders

• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

• Manage competing priorities, deadlines, and responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as attend overnight travel

• Perform other duties as necessary in support of the College

CFRE certification and/or membership in CASE or CRD preferred. Experience with community college operations is desirable.

Buffkin / Baker is assisting Virginia Peninsula Community College in the search, which will remain open until it is filled. 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