Description

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) is a senior strategic partner and critical member of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team. This role drives the college's long-term financial stability by leading the integrated strategy for constituent experience and sustainable philanthropic growth across all constituencies (alumni, parents, and friends). The AVP is responsible for leveraging data-driven strategy to maximize annual support, cultivate future major gift prospects, and elevate the profile of philanthropy through compelling communications. 

Compensation: 

The expected starting salary range for this position is between $135,700 and $140,200. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. This position is 40 hours/week (1.0 FTE).

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities: 

1. Drive Sustainable Philanthropic Growth 

• Develop and guide the overall strategy for the strategic philanthropy portfolio (Annual Giving, Parent/Family Giving) to shape a sustainable tradition of support.  
• Ensure rigorous program evaluation, using data analysis to set performance metrics, achieve annual revenue targets, and maximize the program’s cost-benefit ratio.  
• Collaborate with Major and Planned Giving teams to strengthen the pipeline and ensure personalized, comprehensive approaches to donor solicitation and stewardship.   
   

2. Leading Integrated Constituent Experience 

• Provide executive direction for all alumni and parent engagement programs, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that fosters long-term, mutually-enriching relationships.  
• Serve as senior counsel to the Vice President and institutional leadership on sensitive alumni and parent-related issues.  
• Oversee key volunteer governance boards (e.g., Alumni Council, Parents Advisory Council) to align their efforts with institutional philanthropic priorities. 
   

3. Leadership and Organizational Development 

• Build and lead high-performing teams, supervising the Directors of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, and the Communications Manager.  
• Drive organizational effectiveness by establishing team accountabilities, facilitating professional development, and conducting rigorous performance appraisals.  
• Provide leadership for the division's Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity initiatives, ensuring DEI is a foundational principle in internal culture and external engagement strategies.   
   

4. Directing Strategic Communication 

• Lead the development of annual and multi-year communications plans that support fundraising and engagement goals, including the strategic deployment of direct marketing tools to mobilize support of the institution.
• Oversee the strategic utilization of resources to prioritize narrative positioning that amplifies philanthropic commitments and institutional impact.   
   

Additional Position Requirements: 

• Must be able to work independently, seeking counsel as needed
• Commitment to work across the entire academic community and collaborate within the Development and Alumni Relations team. Provide support for making a persuasive case for supporting key programs and projects and effectively matching the interests of prospective donors to Carleton’s priorities; steward long-time important relationships
• Proven track record of success in leading comprehensive giving programs 
    

Education/Experience/Skills: 

• B.A. required
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive management experience at a director level or above in advancement or a related field
• Strong commitment to the liberal arts mission of the College
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively about the institutional mission to high-level audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement plans 
   

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels. 

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications. 

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including: A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution. Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid time-off, including 20 vacation days, 8 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, 2 weather days, and extra days at the end of the calendar year to make a continuous week off before New Year’s. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees. A dependent tuition program after six years of service. 

Founded in1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Requirements

Education/Experience/Skills: 

• B.A. required
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive management experience at a director level or above in advancement or a related field
• Strong commitment to the liberal arts mission of the College
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively about the institutional mission to high-level audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement plans