Virginia Union University

Situation Overview:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Senior Vice President for Corporate & External Affairs for Virginia Union University.

About Virginia Union University:

History

Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College.Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Washington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country.

After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.

VUU is a distinguished private institution that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges andUniversities.

Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.

At Virginia Union University®, they consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum.

They welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences.

Academic Affairs

Virginia Union University® offers 25 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 22 majors within 14 broad fields of study. Across all areas of study, Union awards 250+ undergraduate degrees each year. VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree.

Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

The Division of Academic Affairs at Virginia Union University is committed to exemplary teaching and boasts of its proud faculty, composed of talented professors, scholars, advisors, and researchers, who are dedicated to helping students become life-long learners.

Overall, the mission of the Division of Academic Affairs is to prepare students to successfully compete with their counterparts upon graduation for employment and admissions to graduate or professional studies, while at the same time exhibiting characteristics of the ideal Virginia Union University Graduate. The Division of Academic Affairs is dedicated to providing an overall academic environment which is sensitive, supportive, and nurturing, while simultaneously, challenging students to achieve new levels of excellence.

This is done with primary emphasis on excellent teaching, research, service, and advising; a strong curriculum; and high-quality Academic Support Services. The Division also subscribes to the University’s rich heritage and traditions which is anchored in the liberal arts and is responsive to promoting the University’s overall Mission.

Mission

Virginia Union University is nourished by its African American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to:

• Provide a nurturing intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning;
• Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and
• Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

To accomplish this mission, Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences.

Vision statement

Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world.

Core Values

The Promise of aLimitless Future.™ Virginia Union University is guided by five fundamental principles in order to deliver on the promise of a Limitless Future. Each principle is essential to their ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff.

The principles aid their community in understanding the right path to fulfilling their institution's mission. In conjuction with the principles are the University's Noble Values.

Integrity

They value their commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person’s words and deeds while holding themselves accountable for their personal and words and actions.

Diversity & Inclusion

As one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, they value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that they are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present. They value inclusivity and promote a safe with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Excellence

They provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.

Innovation

At Virginia Union University®, they consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. They welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences.

Spiritual Formation

As a faith-based University, they welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one’s relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.

Position:

The Senior Vice President for Corporate & External Affairs (SVP-CEA) serves as the university's chief external relationship and revenue development officer, responsible for planning and directing the activities of the Corporate & External AffairsDivision. Reporting to the President and/or Chief Operating Officer (COO), the SVP-CEA oversees the University's Auxiliary Services enterprise, develops and enforces division-wide policies and procedures, and ensures compliance across all assigned functional units.

This senior executive will develop overall business strategies for self-sustaining, revenue-generating auxiliary enterprises, seek opportunities for future initiatives consistent with University needs, and build the external partnerships that advance VUU's mission, reputation, and financial sustainability. The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurially minded leader with a strong background in business development, auxiliary enterprise management, corporate relations, government affairs, and marketing — and a deep commitment to HBCU excellence.

Divisional Scope & Functional Areas

The Senior Vice President has executive authority and coordination responsibilities across the following units:

• Auxiliary Services (including revenue-generating and self-sustaining enterprises);
• Corporate & Industry Partnerships;
• Government & Legislative Relations (federal, state, and local);
• Community Engagement & Civic Affairs;
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation EcosystemDevelopment;
• Economic Development & Workforce Initiatives;
• Marketing, Communications & Promotion of Division Programs;
• Strategic Alliances & Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) Portfolio.

Position Description:

Auxiliary Services & Revenue Development

•  Develop overall business strategies for the division's self-sustaining, revenue-generating auxiliary enterprises and activities that ensure their fiscal stability;
• Oversee the financial and personnel functions of all assigned Corporate & External Affairs (CEA) units;
• Seek and evaluate opportunities for future initiatives and revenue development consistent with university needs and strategic priorities;
• Manage, market, and promote division programs in an entrepreneurial environment;
• Assess program needs and outcomes; develop new or enhance existing programs to meet department, division, and university goals and objectives;
• Evaluate operational procedures and policies; develop and implement new strategies for designated areas.

Financial Planning & Budget Management

•  Implement budget and financial planning processes in collaboration with departmental managers within the division;
• Assist with evaluating monthly financial statements and monitoring financial status and progress for each division department;
• Maintain accurate and detailed financial and personnel records in accordance with university policy;
• Prepare a variety of reports related to operational activities, including statistical analysis and performance metrics.

Corporate & Strategic Partnerships

•  Build and enhance business relationships with corporate partners, industry associations, and external stakeholders aligned with the university's academic portfolio and workforce development mission;
• Cultivate and steward relationships with regional and national employers to generate internship pipelines, sponsored initiatives, philanthropy, and co-branded opportunities;
• Negotiate and execute partnership agreements, joint ventures, and MOUs that create measurable institutional value;
• Collaborate with academic deans, division leaders, and the Office of Sponsored Programs to identify and develop partnership opportunities.

Fundraising, Development & Philanthropic Strategy

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned/deferred giving, and capital campaign activity;
• Serve as a front line major gift officer, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors capable of six- and seven-figure commitments;
• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and Advancement leadership to advance VUU's Capital Campaign and broader philanthropic priorities;
• Build and manage a robust donor pipeline using moves management and relationship-centered fundraising methodology;
• Develop compelling cases for support, gift proposals, and donor impact reports that articulate the transformative value of giving to VUU
• Pursue corporate, foundation, and government grants aligned with the university's strategic priorities, in coordination with the Office of Sponsored Programs.;
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of all gifts, including proper recognition, reporting, and compliance with donor intent.

Government & Community Relations

• Serve as the University's primary liaison to federal, state, and local government agencies, elected officials, and regulatory bodies;
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to higher education and HBCUs; develop and communicate the university's advocacy positions in coordination with the President's Office;
• Act as liaison to departments, campus administration, and outside agencies on matters related to external affairs;
•  Lead community engagement initiatives and represent the university at high-visibility public and civic events as designated by the President.

Marketing & Entrepreneurial Program Management

• Apply marketing principles, practices, concepts, methodology, and techniques to promote division programs and auxiliary enterprise offerings;
• Develop customer relations/service strategies to enhance the University community's experience with auxiliary and external affairs programs;
• Champion the university's entrepreneurship ecosystem by connecting internal innovation centers with corporate partners, investors, and workforce development stakeholders.

Leadership, Administration & Staff Development

•  Provide supervision, training, and professional development for division staff, including prioritizing and scheduling work assignments;
• Coordinate training efforts for the division; assess opportunities and disseminate information to staff;
• Foster a cooperative, high-performance work environment built on accountability, inclusion, and mission alignment;
• Set clear goals and implement achievement strategies across all divisional units;
• Meet projected deadlines and manage multiple complex tasks concurrently;
• Serve on division and university committees as directed; attend conferences and seminars as assigned;
• Prepare reports and proposals as directed by the President or COO;
• Direct special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

•  Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field (required);
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, Public Policy, Law, or a related discipline strongly preferred;
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience related to area of assignment, including a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory or executive leadership role;
• Extensive and demonstrable fundraising experience, including a proven record of securing major gifts, managing capital campaigns, cultivating individual and institutional donors, and closing six- and seven-figure commitments;
•  Experience managing comprehensive development functions including annual giving, planned/deferred giving, corporate and foundation relations, and grant cultivation;
• Demonstrated track record of building partnerships and managing auxiliary or revenue-generating enterprises that produced measurable strategic and financial outcomes;
• Proficiency in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software; experience with fundraising CRM platforms (e.g.,Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP, Black baud) strongly preferred.

Fundraising Certifications (Preferred)

•  Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) — strongly preferred; active certification or active pursuit preferred;
• Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) — preferred for candidates with 10+years of front line fundraising experience;
• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) — preferred;
• Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management or Philanthropic Studies from an accredited institution — preferred;
• Membership and active engagement in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) or Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) highly regarded.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education environment, particularly at an HBCU, minority-serving institution, or urban research university;
• Familiarity with federal HBCU program funding streams (Title III, HBCU Capital Financing, Perkins, etc.) and their intersection with philanthropic strategy;
• Experience with auxiliary services management, including food service, bookstore, housing, or event/conference operations;
• Knowledge of planned giving instruments including charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, bequests, and endowment management;
• Knowledge of economic development organizations, anchor institution strategies, and regional planning bodies;
• Background in government or legislative affairs.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic entrepreneurialism — identifies and converts external opportunities into institutional and revenue value;
• Philanthropic leadership — inspires donor confidence, builds a culture of giving, and closes transformational gifts;
• Relationship intelligence — builds deep, trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholder communities including donors, alumni, corporations, and government;
• Financial acumen — understands auxiliary enterprise economics, budget management, campaign finance, and endowment stewardship;
• Executive presence — represents the institution with credibility, polish, and authenticity at all levels of engagement;
• Mission alignment — passionate commitment to HBCU excellence, Black student success, and the transformative power of philanthropy;
• Effective communicator — articulates the university's case for support clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing;
• Collaborative influence — achieves results through cross-divisional teamwork, donor engagement, and shared ownership of institutional goals.

Senior Management:

Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D

13th President & CEO of VirginiaUnion University

Dr. Hakim J. Lucas is a nationally recognized higher education executive, scholar, and thought leader shaping a new era of leadership for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He serves as President of Virginia Union University (VUU), Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Union University Enterprises, and a tenured Professor of History. Across these roles, he advances a clear mission: ensuring HBCUs remain powerful engines of opportunity, equity, and social mobility for the 21st century.

Since 2017, Dr. Lucas has led VUU through institutional transformation. His leadership has been anchored in a clear framework—Economic and Social Mobility (ESM), integrating student success, generational wealth building, entrepreneurial enterprise, and institutional resilience. This approach has guided VUU’s resurgence not as a temporary rebound, but as a sustainable model of mission-centered excellence.

As a prolific scholar and author, Dr. Lucas also serves as editor of three major scholarly series on HBCUs with Emerald Publishing, Bloomsbury Academic, and Townsend Press—helping to shape an interdisciplinary field that examines Black institutions through the lenses of history, policy, theology, economics, leadership, and social impact.

His scholarship includes authored and edited volumes addressing crisis leadership, accreditation, governance, transcendent leadership, institutional transformation, and the moral responsibilities of leaders in times of disruption and change.

Dr. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from More house College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, a Master of Business Administration from Stetson University, and a Ph.D. in Education from Fordham University. He serves on the boards of philanthropic, educational, and corporate organizations, contributing expertise in strategy, finance, risk management, institutional effectiveness, and mission alignment. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, Urban League, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, United Negro College Fund, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and Southern Education Foundation, reflecting a lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions and expanding opportunity for historically marginalized communities.

Dr. Lucas is an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with universal ordinations within Baptist and non-denominational Black church traditions. His faith and ministry continue to inform a leadership approach grounded in service, purpose, and accountability.

His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Education is my social justice.” Through that lens, Dr. Lucas has committed his entire 25-year career in higher education to building institutions where students are not only prepared for careers but equipped to live fully in their dignity, agency, and purpose. Under his leadership,Virginia Union University is not merely sustaining its legacy—it is actively redefining what excellence looks like for HBCUs in the modern era.

Why Is This A Compelling Position?

They value you and your employment here at Union. Their goal is to sustain a diverse workforce where all members of the community can thrive for their contributions. All the members of their team strive to provide the highest level of service to all of their constituents.

Human Resources functions to serve the best interests of Virginia Union University® and those whom they employ. At Union, the HR Director, in congruent with department staff are primarily responsible for implementing University personnel policies, recruitment, orientation, training, maintaining employee records.

Location:

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, sits along the James River and blends deep American history with a steadily modernizing city culture.

Founded in 1737, it played major roles in both theAmerican Revolution and the Civil War, even serving as the capital of theConfederacy. Today, Richmond is known for its striking balance of historic architecture, vibrant arts, expanding business environment, and scenic outdoor spaces built around the river. The city has evolved into a regional hub for finance, law, healthcare, education, and government, with several Fortune 500 companies and major institutions headquartered in the metro area.

Downtown Richmond features a mix of restored historic buildings and modern development, while neighborhoods like The Fan and Church Hill are known for tree-lined streets, classic row houses, and a strong sense of community character.

Culturally, Richmond has a thriving arts and food scene.The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top comprehensive art museums in the country, and the city is widely recognized for its murals, galleries, and independent music culture. Its culinary reputation has grown rapidly, with nationally recognized chefs, strong Southern influences, and a rising craft brewery presence.

Outdoor life is a defining feature of Richmond. The James River Park System runs directly through the city, offering hiking, biking, kayaking, and even urban whitewater rafting — something few U.S. cities can claim. The Canal Walk, river front parks, and nearby historic battlefields provide both recreation and a strong connection to the city’s past.

Richmond experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, mild-to-cool winters, and colorful spring and fall transitions. Its location places it roughly two hours from Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia coast, making it a convenient and well-connected Mid-Atlantic city.

VUU In The News:

February 09, 2026

161st Founders Day Celebration Reaffirms Virginia Union University's Mission and Future

February 06, 2026

Maryland Delegate and VUU Trustee Scott Phillips Elected Chair of Maryland Legislative Black Caucus

February 05, 2026

Virginia Union University Honors the Legacy of Distinguished Alumnus and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Frank S. Royal, Sr. '61

February 03, 2026

MTX Group and Virginia Union University Announce Strategic AI-Driven Ed Tech Partnership

Interview Process:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG
2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team
5. Formal referencing
6. Offer extended

About ZRG:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Dakota Doman Managing Director

ddoman@zrgpartners.com

Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.

Jerel Booker Principal

jbooker@zrgpartners.com

Jerel Booker is a seasoned executive specializing in talent strategy, organizational growth, and executive search, with over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, K–12, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² ExecutiveSearch, where he conducted national executive searches and oversaw enterprise operations - aligning people, processes, and performance to drive organizational growth and client impact.

Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.