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Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) selected by University of Central Missouri for Associate Vice President for University Advancement Search

(February 20, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Associate Vice President for University Advancement at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search.

At a moment of sustained philanthropic growth and organizational momentum, UCM seeks an accomplished operational leader to help steward and strengthen a high-performing advancement enterprise. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President for Advancement (AVP) serves as the chief operational leader for advancement, ensuring fiscal integrity, systems effectiveness, and organizational excellence in support of UCM’s philanthropic and alumni engagement missions.

The successful candidate will excel in fiscal management, operations, and people leadership, rather than frontline fundraising, overseeing core “back-of-house” functions including finance, advancement services, customer relationship management system (CRM), annual giving, prospect research and data services, and administrative infrastructure. This role is intentionally designed to support and enable fundraising and engagement efforts through strong internal operations rather than carrying a personal fundraising portfolio. UCM’s advancement program is distinguished by strong momentum and organizational health. Assets under management have grown from approximately $56M in 2018 to almost $120M today, reflecting disciplined stewardship, sound financial practices, and a highly capable team. Advancement functions comparably to a $5 million not-for-profit organization, with a staff of approximately 22 professionals, of whom the AVP directly manages five.

Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive, public university committed to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM offers more than 150 academic programs and maintains a strong reputation for high-quality, accessible education. The university continues to climb in national rankings, recently named among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026). With two thriving campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, UCM serves a diverse student body and fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and service that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.