Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Associate Vice President for Strategic Engagement in University Advancement at Idaho State University is responsible for overseeing strategic engagement, stewardship, annual giving, and communications programs that build lifelong relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners to advance the mission and philanthropic goals of ISU.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President will lead integrated engagement efforts, alumni and donor communications, and community outreach strategies in alignment with ISU’s institutional priorities and comprehensive campaign goals.

The AVP will manage teams responsible for alumni engagement, advancement communications, annual giving, and donor relations, and will play a leadership role in developing relevant and innovative engagement strategies that enhance ISU’s reputation, broaden alumni pride and engagement, and inspire philanthropic support.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader who can align operational excellence with mission-driven strategy, collaborate across university teams, and promote a culture of community, integrity, inclusivity, teamwork, learning, and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of university-wide engagement strategies to strengthen relationships with ISU alumni, donors, and community members.
• Direct alumni and donor events to align with ISU’s comprehensive campaign priorities and institutional goals.
• Oversee and enhance the operations of the ISU Alumni Association and related volunteer programming.
• Develop metrics and assessment tools to evaluate the impact of engagement initiatives on fundraising, alumni involvement, and institutional reputation.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, academic units, and other Advancement staff to ensure cohesive engagement programming across all units.
• Oversee strategic communications initiatives that elevate ISU’s philanthropic messaging and inspire a culture of giving.
• Manage multi-channel communication strategies for alumni, donors, and prospective donors, including print, digital, social media, and web.
• Serve as an Advancement communications advisor to internal partners, including directors of development and campus leadership.
• Ensure consistency of message, tone, and alignment with ISU’s brand standards.
• Direct strategies to engage, steward, and recognize donors, ensuring strong relationships that foster continued philanthropic support.
• Oversee the design, development and implementation of an institution-wide comprehensive and integrated donor stewardship programming that fosters a culture of appreciation, recognition, accountability, and ongoing engagement of ISU’s donors, thereby strengthening philanthropic support of the university.
• Lead development strategies for securing annual gifts and consistently growing ISU’s donor base of supporters that give up to $25,000/year.
• Oversee annual fundraising campaigns and strategies to meet annual and long-term goals and metrics, applying research, data, and best practices.
• Serve as a member of the Advancement executive leadership team, contributing to division-wide strategic planning, operations, budgeting, and organizational culture.
• Supervise departmental operations, including human resources, budgeting, compliance, and performance management for annual giving, alumni engagement, donor relations, and communications units.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, public relations, higher education administration, nonprofit leadership, or a related discipline.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement, alumni relations, strategic communications, or donor engagement.
• Demonstrated success in leading strategic engagement and communications initiatives in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Excellent leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
• Strong communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across complex organizations and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with fundraising, event leadership, volunteer management, and/or community engagement best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in strategic engagement and communications, preferably in a university or foundation setting.
• Experience leading integrated engagement or fundraising campaigns across multiple channels and audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire creative teams.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and advancement operations.
• Experience working with alumni boards, foundation boards, or advisory groups.
• Familiarity with the culture and mission of public higher education institutions.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 3, 2025. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Note: Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our https://www.isu.edu/hr/employee-tools/talent-acquisition/ta-faqs/.

Posting Number: req2546

Type: Working 12 months per year

Position: Non-classified Staff

Division: University Advancement

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email mailto:[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.