Vice President, Advancement – Ambrose University

This executive search is conducted by Nelson/Kraft & Associates on behalf of Ambrose University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ambrose University is searching for a senior fundraising leader who is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service to join their team as Vice President, Advancement.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President, Advancement is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the University’s Advancement function in support of Ambrose University’s mission and long-term sustainability. The Vice President, Advancement leads the Advancement team with a primary focus on fund development, while also providing oversight to alumni relations, church relations, donor engagement, and related external partnerships.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President, Advancement works closely with the President and other institutional leaders to advance Ambrose’s strategic priorities, strengthen key relationships, expand philanthropic support, and enhance the University’s visibility, reputation, and impact.

If you are a fundraising executive who is drawn to a mission-centred work environment and the opportunity to shape and strengthen philanthropic engagement in a Christ-centred academic community, we would love to hear from you.

OUR STORY

Ambrose University was formed in 2007 through the union of Alliance University College and Nazarene University College, but our roots go back to 1921, when Calgary Bible Institute first opened its doors. For over 100 years, Ambrose University and its predecessor institutions have been committed to Christian post-secondary education. In 2008, we moved to our current 23-acre campus in southwest Calgary, designed to support a growing community of up to 1,000 students and carrying forward a shared vision of strengthening our academic programs and expanding our reach.

Our story is rooted in the long traditions of teaching, scholarship, and service shaped by both institutions, and carried forward at Ambrose today.

WHO WE ARE

Rooted in Christian Traditions

Ambrose is the official post-secondary institution of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada and the Church of the Nazarene Canada. We are deeply shaped by these traditions, but welcome students, faculty, and staff from more than 50 Christian denominations. Our diversity strengthens our learning and deepens our community.

Learning with a Purpose

At Ambrose, education goes beyond textbooks. Whether you’re studying business, biology, or theology, you’ll be invited to wrestle with questions of meaning, purpose, and calling.

Guided by Faith

Our faculty teach a faith-informed perspective, drawing from the richness of the Christian tradition. They encourage open dialogue, thoughtful reflection, and personal exploration, helping students grow in wisdom, character, and faith.

OUR MISSON

Ambrose University is a Christ-centred educational community that forms students intellectually and spiritually, prepares them for vocational success, and empowers them for redemptive engagement with the Church for the world.

OUR VALUES

• Christian faith
• Pursuing excellence
• Holistic formation
• Service
• Community

For more information, visit the Ambrose website.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree, required; master’s degree, preferred.

• CFRE designation, preferred.

• Minimum of five years of senior advancement, development, or fundraising leadership experience.

• Demonstrated success in personally soliciting and closing major gifts, with evidence of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.

• Demonstrated success leading the planning, fundraising, and execution of multi-million-dollar capital campaigns.

• Strong understanding of fundraising methodologies related to annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, and special events, preferably in a post-secondary or similarly complex, mission-driven environment.

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in an advancement or development setting.

• Knowledge of legislation, tax considerations, and regulatory requirements relevant to charitable fundraising in Canada.

• Experience implementing new and innovative fundraising strategies, including the effective use of technology, systems, and data to improve Advancement outcomes.

• Working knowledge of the evangelical church in Canada; relationships within The Alliance Canada and/or The Church of the Nazarene Canada, an asset.

• Credibility within Calgary and knowledge of the Calgary philanthropic and community landscape, an asset.

• Able and willing to travel as required.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Agreement with Ambrose University’s values, mission, and Statement of Faith.

• Demonstrates a quality of spirit reflected in a growing relationship with God and in interpersonal relationships.

• Strong commitment to the Christian identity and mission of Ambrose University.

• Demonstrates wisdom, maturity, sound judgment, and discretion.

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage a broad range of stakeholders effectively.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

• Positive, collaborative, and service-oriented leadership style.

• Able to lead with confidence, humility, and strategic clarity in a dynamic environment.

• Sensitively able to work effectively with a diversity of people and cultural groups.

• Strong organizational and planning skills, with capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Location: Calgary, AB

Application Deadline: August 24, 2026

Start Date: TBD

Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000

APPLY online at https://pod5.app.loxo.co/job/NDExMTItYmRja2g0N3Vmb2w1NDJqeQ==?t=1783621825891&source_type=nonprofits-ca

ABOUT US

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is an executive consulting firm that specializes in working with not-for-profits and for-profit businesses across Canada, assisting them in the placement of senior executives and directors.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. welcomes and encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position. Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, and will only make distinctions among interested applicants in accordance with the applicable Human Rights legislation.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. also welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us.