Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Madison, SD
$137K/yr – $157K/yr
Posted 6 weeks ago
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Job Description
Working Title
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Posting Number
NFE03101P
Department
DSU-President
Physical Location of Position (City)
Madison
Posting Text
Dakota State University (DSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement and President/CEO of the Dakota State University Foundation. Reporting to the Foundation Board of Trustees and serving as a member of the DSU President’s Cabinet, the Vice President provides strategic leadership for the university’s comprehensive advancement program while serving as the chief executive officer of the DSU Foundation.
Dakota State University is experiencing unprecedented momentum in enrollment growth, academic innovation, research investment, and philanthropic engagement. As DSU continues to expand its national reputation as a leader in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, the university seeks an accomplished fundraising executive who can build on this momentum and secure transformational philanthropic investments that advance its mission and strategic priorities.
The Vice President serves as the university’s chief fundraising officer and principal philanthropic ambassador, leading efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts while strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners. Working closely with the President, Foundation Board of Directors, university leadership, and key stakeholders, this individual will play a critical role in advancing institutional priorities and creating opportunities that transform the lives of students and strengthen the future of DSU.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for all advancement and Foundation activities, including fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, stewardship, communications, and Foundation operations.
- Serve as the university’s chief fundraiser, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major, principal, planned, corporate, and foundation gifts.
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and campaigns that achieve ambitious philanthropic goals and increase long-term institutional support.
- Partner with the President, Foundation Board, and university leadership to identify and advance funding priorities that support student success, academic excellence, research, and innovation.
- Expand and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
- Provide leadership and oversight of the Dakota State University Foundation, ensuring sound governance, financial stewardship, and growth of Foundation assets and endowment resources.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing advancement team committed to excellence, collaboration, and results.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated record of success in fundraising, advancement leadership, donor engagement, and organizational management.
- Experience securing major and principal gifts, building strategic partnerships, and working effectively with governing boards and senior leaders is essential.
- The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader, exceptional communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder who is energized by philanthropy and inspired by the opportunity to advance a bold institutional vision.
Benefits:
- Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
- South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
- Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
- Reduced tuition for education.
- Professional liability
- Paid family leave
How to Apply:
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.
For questions concerning the position, contact Alicia Entringer at Alicia.entringer@dsu.edu.
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.
For questions concerning the position, contact Alicia Entringer at Alicia.entringer@dsu.edu.
Posting Date
06/15/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
07/06/2026
Advertised Salary
NFE Pay Grade 16S: $137,000 - $157,000
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100%
Work Hours
8:00am – 5:00pm
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
In addition to the exciting professional opportunities at Dakota State University, employees will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Madison, South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the state, Madison offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating an ideal environment for work-life balance.
The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison’s scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
Madison’s location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50-minute drive from South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.
The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison’s scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
Madison’s location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50-minute drive from South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-humanresources@dsu.edu
E-Verify, EOE.
E-Verify, EOE.
South Dakota Board of Regents
The Board of Regents proudly holds the constitutional authority to guide the public higher education system in our beautiful state of South Dakota. With the support of an executive director and a dedicated staff, we provide leadership and establish policies for the programs and services offered by our six public universities and two schools focused on special K-12 populations. Our goal is to create environments within SDBOR and its affiliated institutions that are not only desirable places to work but also nurturing spaces for learning and personal growth. We truly see ourselves as one big community, committed to enhancing and expanding educational opportunities both in South Dakota and beyond. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, community, and openness, while we prioritize providing our employees with a competitive and well-rounded rewards package.
