Vice President of Advancement
Fort Lewis College

Application Process
A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for position
• Resume
• Names and contact information for five current, professional references

Application Deadline

Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 4, 2026, will receive full consideration

View job description & apply

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts undergraduate research institution shaped by the land, people, and culture of the Southwest. Nestled in Durango, Colorado—where the desert meets the Rocky Mountains—FLC offers students immersive, hands-on learning across 60 majors.

Academic excellence and regional perspective

Whether through business, arts, sciences, or emerging fields like nanotechnologies, graduates leave with a deep understanding of their field and a unique perspective shaped by the region’s diverse landscapes and communities. This prepares them to address global challenges with regional insight, the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s workforce, and adapt to the evolving demands of the future.

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are core to the FLC experience. As a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution, the college is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The college enrolls approximately 3,400 students, with about 150 in graduate programs. The student body represents 113 Native American Tribes and Alaskan villages, 49 states, and 12 countries, with almost half from Colorado. In addition, 36% are Pell Grant Eligible, 44% are first-generation students, 39% are Native American, and 15% are Hispanic/Latinx.

Equity and student support

FLC prioritizes equity and inclusion in academics and campus life through a community of care approach. This commitment extends to academic programs and student support services, ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities needed for success.

Faculty excellence and research leadership

The college’s 240+ faculty members go beyond traditional teaching, providing a well-rounded education that extends into impactful programs for students and the broader community. Their dedication has garnered national recognition and opened significant grant opportunities. Last year alone, FLC secured over $38 million in grants and sponsored research, a jump from $33 million the previous year—a remarkable achievement for an institution of its size. This year, the School of Education secured nearly $7 million in federal grants from the Office of English Language Acquisition and a U.S. Department of Education grant naming the school as an Augustus F. Hawkins Center of Excellence. Other grants include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative, an NSF grant for the Partnership for Education and the Advancement of Quantum and Nanosciences, and a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for advancing environmental sciences and environmental justice education that also provides paid internships and housing for students.

Holistic approach to student well-being

In addition, with the goal of supporting students in every aspect of their lives, FLC staff have successfully secured grants to support harm reduction initiatives and provide culturally responsive mental healthcare, emergency housing, food, and healthcare services.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, Fort Lewis College’s budget totals $86.7 million, consisting of $59.1 million in General Funds and $27.6 million in Auxiliary Funds. The Board of Trustees policy requires the College to maintain a General Fund reserve of 25% of the prior year's revenues. This goal has been met since the policy was implemented in 2020.

The Native American Tuition Waiver (NATW)

The NATW is a unique component of Fort Lewis College, where enrolled tribal members attend tuition-free. The State of Colorado reimburses this tuition in arrears every year. For fiscal year 2024, the tuition waiver revenue was $21.8 million, which will be received in fiscal year 2025. Total tuition revenue for fiscal 2025 is anticipated to be $43 million.

The college's net position

In the last five years, the college's net position has increased by $63.4 million (or 61%) due to solid capital investments and prudent management of unrestricted net assets. During the last fiscal year, unrestricted net assets increased by $1.2 million (across all funds). Net tuition and fee revenue comprise approximately 12.94% of total General Fund revenue. Net tuition, Native American tuition waiver revenue, and State Appropriations comprise 95% of General Fund revenue.

Fort Lewis College maintains Moody’s A3 underlying and Aa2 enhanced bond credit ratings, reaffirmed in March 2024. Despite the potential for a rating increase based on underlying calculations, concerns about enrollment have kept the outlook stable. This stability is a testament to the college's financial resilience.

The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees (BoT)

The BoT consists of nine voting and two non-voting members responsible for making policy for Fort Lewis College and overseeing its operation. The Colorado governor appoints voting members and requires Colorado State Senate confirmation. They serve four-year terms. The two non-voting members are elected by FLC faculty and students. The faculty representative serves a two-year term, and the student representative serves a one-year
term. Staff is also represented on the board with a non-voting member.

The FLC president is appointed by and reports to the Board and is responsible for the institution's and its employees' day-to-day management.

Learn more about the BOT

Shared governance

At FLC, shared governance is a key pillar in fostering collaboration and transparency across the institution. The FLC Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring faculty, staff, and students are actively involved in the decision-making processes shaping the college's future. Through structures like the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Faculty and Staff of Color, LGBTQIA2S Staff and Faculty, and various committees, members of the FLC community contribute to policy development, curriculum design, and strategic planning.

The Board’s resolution on Culture and Shared Governance emphasizes maintaining a positive institutional culture rooted in trust, teamwork, and open communication. By giving voice to all stakeholders and promoting transparency, FLC ensures faculty, staff, and students are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the college’s goals.

The Board underscores the importance of integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into all institutional work, acknowledging FLC's complex history and the ongoing efforts toward racial reconciliation and inclusivity.

The Fort Lewis College Foundation (FLC Foundation) is pivotal in advancing the college’s mission by securing philanthropic support to enhance its educational and cultural offerings. Guided by integrity, sustainability, inclusivity, engagement, innovation, and passion, the FLC Foundation is committed to transparent stewardship of donations, fostering long-term growth, promoting diversity and collaboration, building a supportive community, and supporting FLC’s forward-thinking initiatives.

The Vice President of Advancement serves as the CEO and President of the FLC Foundation, along with a dedicated volunteer board of 30 generous individuals. The FLC President and an appointee from the Board of Trustees serve as ex officio members.

FLC’s Office of Advancement leads the management and operations of robust fundraising and alumni engagement programs, achieving record-breaking success in recent years.

Visit the FLC Foundation site

Dr. Heather J. Shotton serves as the 11th President of Fort Lewis College, making history as the first Native American to lead the institution. She brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership, student success, and institutional transformation to her role.

Learn more about President Shotton

CBIZ Higher Education is partnering with Fort Lewis College on this important search. Please direct nominations and inquiries about this opportunity to:

Pelema Ellis, Ph.D., EVP & Head, Higher Education Practice
pelema.ellis@cbiz.com