Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, Western Michigan University

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The Opportunity

Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the WMU Foundation (VPED). WMU seeks a dynamic leader committed to further fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement that fuels the university’s ambition to deliver a differentiated and holistic experience-driven education at a top-tier public university in Michigan. 

The VPED is the chief advancement officer for WMU and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University's fundraising efforts, alumni connectivity, and the foundation enterprise. This critical post requires strong leadership, skillful diplomacy, and substantial financial acumen to successfully advance WMU’s institutional priorities and steward the experience focused ethos “so that all may learn”.  

The VPED will report directly to President Russ Kavalhuna, an energetic team-oriented leader. As an alumnus of WMU’s College of Aviation—ranked 6th in the world, President Kavalhuna is an Air Transport Captain—the highest civilian class, has served as a federal prosecutor and most recently completed a distinguished presidency at Henry Ford College. He began his tenure at WMU on July 1, 2025, and is already considered WMU’s Bronco Advocate in Chief. The VPED serves as a core member on President’s Cabinet and will seek to strengthen WMU’s global profile, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and align philanthropic engagement with university goals and priorities. Reporting directly to the president, this position is a tremendous opportunity for a proven executive to join a dedicated leadership team transforming student success, inspiring creative and scholarly discovery, and advancing the impactful reputation of WMU.

The VPED will have the opportunity to lead to the completion of a $1.25 billion comprehensive campaign, which just passed its halfway mark and has not yet entered its public phase. The campaign will support a University-wide strategy to distinguish WMU in a highly competitive enrollment market by rooting experiential learning in a region rich with national and international companies, vital nonprofits, and government entities seeking to sustain southwest Michigan and the entire state as a thriving place to work, play, and live. 

How to Apply

Jeremy Duff and Kyle Pybus-Jerome with Greenwood Asher & Associates are assisting Western Michigan University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Applications materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position;
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as separate PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by September 8, 2025.

All application materials should be submitted to the Greenwood Asher & Associates team via e-mail at: WMUVPAdvancement@greenwoodsearch.com.