Vice President of Advancement

Primary work location: Remote/virtual; anywhere in the United States

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Advancement Team (Directors and Managers)

FLSA Classification: Full-time, Exempt

UTR MISSION STATEMENT: United Through Reading is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exclusively connecting military families facing physical separation through the power of storytime. Founded in 1989, the organization began on the premise that schools cannot fulfill all of children’s educational and emotional needs, especially children of military families who may struggle with anxiety. However, reading aloud strengthens relational bonds while also building early literacy and language skills, expanding vocabulary, instilling a positive relationship with reading and a stable sense of routine, and boosting self-esteem. For 35 years, UTR has helped millions of military children maintain emotional bonds and build strong literacy foundations through storytime videos recorded by the service members who love them.

With a rapidly growing digital platform, nationwide program footprint, and ambitious strategic vision, UTR is entering an exciting new chapter—and we’re seeking a strategic, systems-minded leader to help drive it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Advancement is responsible for cultivating revenue streams and avenues for fundraising and working proactively with the CEO to ensure the vitality and health of the organization’s budget and advance the organization’s mission. The Vice President of Advancement is also responsible for building and fostering positive and productive relationships among philanthropic, corporate, and community leaders, as well as individual donors vested in supporting and advancing the organization’s programs and services. In addition, the Vice President is responsible for the collaboration, development, and execution of the marketing plans with donors, partnerships, and prospects, including strategies to increase donor loyalty and retention, and support organizational and business development objectives.

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Lead fundraising efforts to achieve annual revenue goals ($3M+).
• Assign and reassign donor portfolios across the Advancement team.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward own portfolio of individual, corporate, foundation, and community donors.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and revenue streams.
• Oversee the grants pipeline and submissions during check-ins with the Advancement Team; engage directly with development, reporting, and compliance as needed.
• Lead fundraising events, campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide revenue forecasts and donor analysis.

Leadership & Organizational Engagement

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Partner with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Senior Leadership Council to advance organizational goals.
• Represent United Through Reading with donors, partners, military leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Advancement team (4+ FTE) and related contractors.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and manage corporate, foundation, nonprofit, and community partnerships.
• Identify opportunities to expand organizational impact through strategic alliances and sponsorships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support program, technology, and community partnerships.
• Evaluate partnership performance and maximize long-term value.

Donor Communications & Stewardship

• Ensure consistent donor stewardship and engagement across individual, corporate, and foundational lanes.
• Support the creation of fundraising materials, presentations, impact reports, and donor communications.
• Serve as a compelling advocate for the organization's mission and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of fundraising, advancement, corporate relations, or nonprofit leadership experience.
• 5+ years of staff leadership and supervision.
• Proven success in fundraising, strategic planning, and relationship management.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Salesforce (or similar CRM), and project management software.
• Experience with military, veteran, or military family communities preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain access to military installations and facilities.

Essential Qualities

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience managing budgets, fundraising goals, and multiple priorities.
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Passion for supporting military families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fully remote position with approximately 10% travel.
• Requires reliable internet, mobile phone service, and transportation.
• Ability to perform standard office and computer-based work.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $93,500–$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual compensation review based on performance and organizational results.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Flexible remote work environment.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal background, education verification, DMV, and exclusion/debarment screenings.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to military installations and facilities as required to perform the duties of the position.

• Annual compensation review based on performance and organizational results.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Flexible remote work environment.