Vice President for Advancement
Ripon College
Ripon, WI - United States
Ripon College, a private, residential liberal arts and science college, seeks an experienced and dynamic Vice President for Advancement to lead and strategically enhance the College’s fundraising, alumni relations, and external engagement efforts. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the Administrative Council, the Vice President for Advancement will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the institution by fostering meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and the broader Ripon College community, capitalizing on the College’s 175th anniversary in 2026.
The Vice President for Advancement will lead a dynamic and strategic advancement program. The College seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, and goal-oriented advancement leader with a robust track record as a major/principal gift fundraiser and manager of a sophisticated advancement operation. This leader will manage the entire range of development and alumni relations to continue to increase Ripon’s profile and philanthropic support. Priorities will continue to include increasing contributed unrestricted annual operating revenue, endowment, and scholarship funds in the context of overseeing and planning future campaigns.
Substantial leadership and management acumen is required, and thus the ideal candidate will have successfully led or had a major leadership role in development or advancement programs for at least 10 years. Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful communications and fundraising campaigns is highly desirable. As would be expected, superior communication and relationship-building skills are necessary. The successful candidate will provide leadership and direction, and will mentor-motivate a team whose mission is to maximize Ripon’s position with current supporters, as well as in new markets to create greater philanthropic support for the College. A key priority is to create a compelling case for support and tailored engagement strategies and to identify, cultivate, and secure major individual (including alumni) support.
The Vice President for Advancement will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to this outstanding institution by leading it to new levels of engagement with its external constituencies and even greater achievement in fundraising. Doing so will require the skills and experiences of a seasoned advancement leader and manager, one with a significant track record of personal and successful involvement in individual major and principal giving, and experience in leading a team of skilled fundraisers and alumni relations professionals.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Ripon College in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.
Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: