Chief Advancement Officer

The client seeks a seasoned, inspirational fundraising professional to serve as the Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Engineering. Reporting closely to the dean at the outset of her tenure and serving as a member of the dean’s senior management team, the Chief Advancement Officer will provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for fundraising, alumni engagement, and stewardship activities for the college. The Chief Advancement Officer will partner with the dean and department chairs to identify fundraising priorities and opportunities, serving as a chief strategist on all fundraising matters. The role will develop and refine an integrated advancement strategy in collaboration with University Advancement colleagues, including working under a dotted-line reporting relationship to the associate vice president for development within the university’s advancement structure. This is an opportunity to elevate the college’s development program by expanding the prospect base to include unaffiliated donors, implementing best practices, building team capacity, and applying data-driven approaches. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of leadership experience in successful development operations, preferably within complex research university environments, along with strong strategic planning, managerial, and motivational skills, comprehensive knowledge of major development functions, and a proven track record of personal success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at major and principal gift levels, supported by integrity, credibility, strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, and a bachelor’s degree. Confidential