Executive Director of University Relations

Southlake, TX

Full Time

Executive

POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of University Relations reports directly to the President and provides strategic leadership for advancement, marketing, and external relations in support of the University’s mission and long-term vision. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy—including annual, capital, and planned giving—while strengthening the University’s visibility, reputation, and strategic partnerships. The Executive Director cultivates and sustains relationships with donors, alumni, churches, foundations, and community partners, securing philanthropic support through gifts, grants, and endowments. This position also provides executive oversight of marketing and communications to ensure consistent alignment with the University’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Position Specific Responsibilities
Advancement and External Relations

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities, including annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and special initiatives.
Establish, monitor, and achieve fundraising goals and performance benchmarks.
Cultivate, steward, and maintain strong relationships with major donors, alumni, church leaders, foundations, and key stakeholders.
Proactively identify and engage high-capacity donors and strategic partners; coordinate meetings, briefings, and engagement opportunities for the President to advance major gift relationships.
Oversee grant strategy, applications, and reporting; provide regular updates on fundraising outcomes and financial progress.
Serve as the primary liaison between the University and its alumni, churches, ministry partners, and broader community.
Partner with the President to manage the University’s public image, including media relations, press releases, and external communications, ensuring mission alignment.
Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Services and other leaders to design and promote outreach initiatives—such as seminars, workshops, and events—that strengthen community relationships and support recruitment and engagement.
Plan and execute major institutional events, including donor gatherings, alumni, and conferences, to elevate the University’s reputation and foster stewardship.
Serve as a liaison between the university and its broader community of alumni, churches, and ministry partners.

Marketing and Communications

Provide executive oversight of marketing and communications strategy to support enrollment growth, brand awareness, and institutional advancement.
Partner with the Enrollment Management Taskforce to co-develop strategies for lead generation, recruitment, and enrollment execution.
Guide and supervise the Director of Marketing to ensure all strategies, messaging, and initiatives align with institutional goals and brand standards.
Lead content strategy for the University’s website, publications, and key communications.
Monitor market trends, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Communicate marketing strategies, performance metrics, and insights to senior leadership.
Assist the President in managing reputational risk and crisis communications.
Advocate for the strategic role of marketing and communications in achieving the University’s mission and objectives.

Team Leadership and Administration

Advance and embody The King’s Culture by modeling the posture and practices of a Spirit-Formed Leader, Courageous Collaborator, and Gracious Servant in all areas of leadership, decision-making, and engagement.
Lead, mentor, and evaluate Advancement and Marketing staff in a manner that fosters spiritual formation, collaboration, excellence, accountability, and mission alignment.
Cultivate a team culture marked by trust, clarity, innovation, and shared ownership of the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
Support and advance presidential and university-wide initiatives through cross-functional collaboration and servant leadership.
Oversee departmental budgeting, planning, and resource allocation in alignment with strategic goals and institutional stewardship.
Ensure all advancement and communications activities are conducted with integrity and in compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.

University-Wide Responsibilities

Model core organizational beliefs and values; communicate openly and effectively within and across departments. Establish and maintain professional communication and ensure that all interactions are supportive, courteous, and respectful (TKU Social Covenant).
Utilize effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly both internally and publicly.

Participate in professional development activities that are aligned with University, departmental and individual goals.
Maintain accurate and complete records as required by governing entities (DOE, TRACS, ABHE, etc.); file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provide oversight to the Office of Advancement
Provide oversight to the Director of Marketing

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience:

Minimum of three years’ fundraising experience with educational institutions or non-profit organizations.
Five years of administrative experience with proven success in fundraising, communications, and external relations.
Strong understanding of higher education, particularly faith-based institutions, and the unique needs of theological education.

Organizational & Cultural Expectations
At The King’s University, every employee is expected to actively support and advance the University’s mission to integrate Biblical education and practical ministry to shape Spirit-formed individuals who follow Jesus, serve His Church, and are sent to impact the world, by living out our Christ-centered culture in daily work and relationships.
Employees are expected to operate in alignment with The King’s Culture, demonstrated through the following shared expectations:

Spirit-Formed Leadership
Demonstrates a growing, authentic Christian faith marked by integrity, humility, teachability, discernment, and trustworthiness. Leads self and others in a manner that reflects Christ’s character, embraces accountability, and pursues continual personal and spiritual growth.
Courageous Collaboration
Works effectively and respectfully with others across diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Communicates honestly, adapts to change, takes appropriate initiative, and contributes to unity through grace-filled relationships, thoughtful risk-taking, and a commitment to shared goals.
Gracious Service
Approaches work with humility, compassion, and excellence. Takes ownership of responsibilities, serves others with a Christ-like heart, manages time and resources responsibly, and consistently seeks to honor God through faithful stewardship and professional conduct.

All employees are expected to model these competencies in their interactions with students, colleagues, leadership, and external partners. These cultural expectations guide how we hire, develop, evaluate, and support our community as we work together to reflect Christ in all we do.

Additional Required Competencies:

Knowledge of the non-profit sector, charitable giving techniques, and relevant laws.
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make strategic decisions.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Proficiency in computer skills and technology.
Passion for the seminary’s mission and a commitment to advancing its vision.

Other Requirements

Criminal Background Verification

MENTAL/PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Travel and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, are required
Maintain emotional control under stress with ability to work in high-intensity, fast-paced and flexible environment.
Lift up to 15 lbs.

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Executive Director of University Relations

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