Vice President for Advancement
WittKieffer is proud to partner with Bradley University, a private institution located in Peoria, Illinois, as it seeks a visionary Vice President for Advancement (VPA) to lead its philanthropic and alumni engagement efforts during a transformative period. With more than 4,000 students and a $158 million operating budget, Bradley offers over 100 academic programs and maintains a strong Division I athletic presence alongside a vibrant student life. Under the leadership of newly appointed President James Shadid, the university is entering a new era marked by strategic campus enhancements and the launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Located in the historic West Bluff neighborhood, Bradley University is a mid-sized university offering students the opportunities and resources of a larger university and the personal attention and exceptional learning experiences of a smaller university. The University has programs in business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. A Bradley education emphasizes innovation and interdisciplinarity that gives students opportunities to be leaders. To promote these goals, in 2019 the University opened a new $100 million-plus Business and Engineering Convergence Center. Bradley links academic excellence, experiential learning, and leadership development with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide a world-class education and a commitment to excellent teaching and student success.
The VPA will serve as a key member of the president's senior leadership team, overseeing a 20-member advancement staff and guiding the development and execution of a compelling advancement strategy. The VPA's overall mission is to increase meaningful philanthropic and engagement activities with prospects, donors, community leaders, and alumni community of more than 70,000 worldwide. Specific responsibilities include working collaboratively with partners across campus to increase affinity and cultivate major and principal gifts, growing and maintaining a portfolio of their own prospects, and developing a comprehensive talent management plan to attract and retain committed team members.
The next VPA will also be asked to undertake a number of larger, long-term initiatives to expand Bradley's advancement program. These will include developing a comprehensive and visionary advancement plan, creating and implementing the upcoming comprehensive campaign, expanding the donor pipeline, and strengthening alumni engagement through targeted outreach and programming.
This position presents a unique opportunity to leverage the momentum generated by President Shadid's leadership and the goodwill of the Bradley and Peoria communities. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in comprehensive campaigns, inspirational leadership, and exceptional communication skills, including the ability to clearly make the case for Bradley. A commitment to an inclusive and equitable environment is essential, as is demonstrated experience significantly elevating the performance of an advancement program. For this position, a bachelor's degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. In the end, the next Bradley Vice President for Advancement will play a pivotal role in shaping the university's future, amplifying its legacy, and driving a transformative advancement effort aligned with a bold institutional vision.
We invite you to review a complete leadership profile here.
WittKieffer is assisting Bradley University with this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Friday, January 2nd, 2026. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the Leadership Profile. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Greg Duyck and Jevon Walton at BradleyVPAdvancement@wittkieffer.com.
The salary range for this position is $225,000–$240,000 with a competitive benefits package and
relocation assistance.
Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty, and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.
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