EVP of Advancement & Strategic Communications
2 days ago
Kansas City
Job Description POSITION TITLE: Executive Vice President of Advancement & Strategic Communications DIVISION: Administration DEPARTMENT: Advancement REPORTS TO: Nerman Family President PAY TYPE: Exempt WORKER TYPE: Full-Time (Anticipated start date on/after 1/16/2026) UPDATED: October 2025 PAY: $165,000 The Executive Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Communications serves as a key member of the Kansas City Art Institute's (KCAI) executive leadership team. This senior leader is responsible for unifying and advancing the institution's fundraising and marketing/communications functions. The EVP will design and execute a comprehensive strategy to elevate KCAI’s brand, expand its visibility, cultivate strong community and donor relationships, and secure the financial resources necessary to advance the Art Institute's mission and strategic priorities. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of fundraising, marketing, and the arts, who can inspire and guide a dynamic team to achieve ambitious goals. Essential Functional Responsibilities: Leadership & Strategic Management: • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Nerman Family President, Board of Trustees, and Cabinet by providing data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and regular reports on advancement and communications performance., • Develop and implement a three-to-five-year integrated advancement and communications plan with clear benchmarks for donor growth, brand visibility, and revenue generation., • Establish KPIs for Advancement and Marketing & Communications staff, ensuring accountability, continuous improvement, and alignment with institutional priorities., • Design and lead a comprehensive fundraising program that increases annual philanthropic support year-over-year through major gifts, planned giving, annual fund growth, grants, corporate partnerships, and sponsorships., • Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a targeted portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors, ensuring personalized engagement strategies and successful solicitation outcomes., • Partner with the Nerman Family President and Board of Trustees to identify, prepare, and support their active participation in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities., • Establish standardized processes, reporting, and compliance protocols for gift acceptance, acknowledgment, and stewardship to ensure donor trust and operational excellence., • Lead the development of a unified brand strategy that amplifies KCAI’s position as a premier art and design institution and drives measurable increases in enrollment inquiries, donor engagement, and community awareness., • Direct the creation of compelling storytelling campaigns across print, web, video, and social media that highlight student success, faculty excellence, alumni impact, and institutional innovation., • Partner with Admissions, Academic Affairs, and Advancement to create integrated campaigns that advance enrollment goals and fundraising outcomes., • Oversee the development of a comprehensive design system and editorial guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all digital, print, and experiential touchpoints., • Serve as KCAI’s ambassador with community organizations, cultural institutions, and corporate partners, building strategic alliances that enhance visibility, partnerships, and philanthropic opportunities., • Proactively represent the college at civic, arts, and higher education events, positioning KCAI as a thought leader in art and design education., • Develop measurable strategies for community engagement that result in new partnerships, expanded audiences, and stronger institutional reputation., • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the President to advance the mission and sustainability of KCAI. Supervises the following: • Director of Advancement, • Design Director, • Administrative Coordinator Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications: • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, designing effective fundraising strategies, and leading multi-million dollar campaigns., • Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to manage, mentor, and inspire diverse teams of fundraisers and creative professionals., • Strategic and innovative thinker with experience developing and executing comprehensive, institution-wide advancement and communications strategies., • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and community partners., • Deep understanding of brand management and marketing principles, with a strong creative vision to elevate institutional identity., • Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex departmental budgets.., • Proven experience working directly with a Board of Trustees and senior institutional leadership., • Knowledge of the arts, culture, and higher education sectors, with an appreciation for the role of creativity in education and community engagement., • Proficiency with development and advancement technology platforms, including donor databases and CRM systems. Required Experience/Education: • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or Arts Administration)., • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a senior leadership role overseeing both institutional advancement and marketing/communications functions,, • Proven track record in securing major gifts, developing fundraising strategies, and managing multi-million dollar capital campaigns., • Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing brand and communications strategies., • Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of managing, mentoring, and inspiring diverse, high-performing teams., • Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across a broad range of stakeholders., • Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, oversight, and resource allocation. Preferred Experience/Education: • Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or Arts Administration)., • Experience working directly with a Board of Trustees and senior institutional leadership., • Experience in higher education, non-profit or a cultural institution. Statement Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator at . Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.