Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Faculty Senate • WASC • Risk Management

Advancement

Term from University Administration industry explained for recruiters

Advancement in higher education refers to activities that help universities grow and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and supporters. It's like the relationship-building and fundraising arm of a college or university. This department typically handles alumni relations, fundraising (also called development), and maintaining connections with people who might support the school. Think of it as similar to non-profit fundraising or relationship management, but specifically for educational institutions. Other common names for this work include "Development," "Institutional Advancement," or "University Relations."

Examples in Resumes

Managed Advancement campaigns that raised over $2M for university programs

Coordinated Advancement and Development activities with alumni groups

Led Institutional Advancement initiatives resulting in increased donor engagement

Typical job title: "Advancement Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Development Officer Advancement Director Alumni Relations Manager Major Gifts Officer Director of Development University Relations Manager Advancement Services Coordinator

Where to Find Advancement Professionals

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy for our university?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in creating long-term fundraising plans, managing relationships with major donors, coordinating with different departments, and measuring success through specific metrics like donor retention and gift size increases.

Q: Tell me about a challenging campaign you've managed and how you achieved success.

Expected Answer: Strong answers should include examples of leading major fundraising initiatives, handling complex donor relationships, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and achieving specific fundraising goals.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you maintain and strengthen relationships with alumni donors?

Expected Answer: Look for experience in donor communication strategies, event planning, personalized outreach methods, and understanding of donor database management.

Q: What strategies do you use to identify and cultivate new potential donors?

Expected Answer: Candidates should discuss research methods, networking approaches, event participation, and techniques for moving prospects through the donor pipeline.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What do you understand about the role of advancement in higher education?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of fundraising, alumni relations, and the importance of building relationships with university supporters.

Q: How do you organize and track donor information?

Expected Answer: Should show familiarity with donor databases, record keeping, and basic donor communication protocols.