PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement at Hope College

May 15, 2024

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm president Chris Bingley, resulting in Alex Jones securing the role of Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement at Hope College.

“I’ve worked with several other highly visible executive search firms as a client and candidate and Bryant Group’s [candidate] experience was absolutely better. They provided an equitable process without any surprises; they were consistent and clear regarding the role and the institution; and Chris Bingley’s intuition and genuineness has made for a lifelong relationship – a rare thing in executive search”, said Jones.

A sophisticated principal gift fundraising professional known for his skill in engaging diverse donors and leveraging relationships for transformative giving, Mr. Jones embodies a faith-focused leadership style. His commitment to Christian values is evident in his ability to build trust and navigate challenges with a clear moral compass. He most recently served as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary. As the VP, Mr. Jones led the advancement team and fundraising efforts to close their recent campaign resulting in significant philanthropic investments in support of the campus and academic priorities.

In his new position, Mr. Jones will work with the President of Hope College and serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the senior leadership team. He will advise and support the President and Board of Trustees in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gifts.

Hope College President Matt Scogin shared that, “From the very beginning, we had a synergy and mission alignment with Bryant Group. They focused intentionally on getting to know our institution to successfully identify a best-fit leader for the vision ahead. Chris was an extension of our team, serving right alongside us. And we had fun – making an arduous process enjoyable!”

Affiliated with the Reformed Church in America since its founding in 1866, Hope College is known for its invitational ecumenical Christian atmosphere, friendly campus community and outstanding academic and co-curricular offerings.

Hope offers an academically rigorous, co-educational and residential education to approximately 3,300 undergraduate students from more than 40 states and 25 countries. The college is committed to developing deep competence in a major course of study, from which there are 91 majors and programs to choose from. Hope College is recognized as a national leader in student-faculty collaborative research, scholarship and creative projects and for providing exceptional professional preparation and life-changing educational experiences.

Advancing Great Leadership

Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership consulting for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a 36-year history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.