Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
June 26, 2026 – New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth.
Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic priorities. Supervising the existing team, the inaugural SVP will cultivate broader constituent engagement, external philanthropic partnerships and long-term institutional support. Early initiatives from the SVP may include establishing a board development committee and charter to help strengthen philanthropic engagement at the governance level and build the infrastructure needed for long-term advancement success. This role calls for a trusted expert to assess and build the University’s future advancement structure and identify practical ways to strengthen fundraising support.
The SVP will join an ambitious leadership team looking to welcome a partner who thinks strategically and is excited to galvanize the University to pursue new ideas. The incoming SVP will have immediate opportunities to support the expansion of WilmU’s giving programs, including to help lead the vision and timeline for the next advancement campaign.
The chosen candidate will cultivate a campuswide culture of philanthropy, nurturing an environment that values and actively participates in advancement endeavors. They will take proactive steps to foster connections and networking opportunities within the University community, linking individuals with external contacts for fundraising, financial support, publicity and partnerships. Acting as a bridge between internal and external stakeholders, they will facilitate communication and engagement, playing a crucial role in building and nurturing relationships.
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The best candidates will be seasoned leaders who have experience working with a diverse group of funding organizations and individuals and leading successful advancement teams in complex matrixed organizations. The University looks for leaders who will embody WilmU’s values of understanding, respect, integrity, opportunity, responsiveness, innovation, experience, education and caring. They will bring experience and knowledge in contemporary advancement work, implementing the processes and systems needed for a successful multiyear advancement strategy.
Wilmington University is a private, non-profit university headquartered in New Castle, Delaware, that offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs through campus-based, online, and hybrid formats. Founded in 1968 as Wilmington College, the institution serves more than 18,000 students across multiple locations in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland, with a strong focus on working adults, career advancement, and flexible learning options.
Proven Search Firm
Brettschneider Executive Search places high-performing presidents, vice presidents, CFOs and COOs at organizations across a wide variety of sectors. The firm’s team of senior partners are fully dedicated to collaborating with candidates and clients throughout the entirety of the search process. The firm invests in a president-level certified leadership coach for each placement for six months following the start date.
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Kim Brettschneider is the founder and CEO of the firm. She conducts leadership searches across healthcare, higher education and non-profit sectors. Her team identifies transformational executive leaders using a highly communicative, efficient and tailored approach. Before starting the firm, Ms. Brettschneider oversaw higher education, academic medicine, children’s hospital, and non-profit searches at a top 15 global executive recruitment firm. She has partnered to place 200 C-suite leaders throughout her career.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
