Chief Development Officer

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Columbia Business School in the search for a Chief Development Officer. Reporting to the Dean of Columbia Business School, the Chief Development Officer willbe the School's lead fundraising strategist and the Dean's primary partner in philanthropic strategy and alumni engagement. With over $500 million raised since the current Dean's appointment and the School's move to its Manhattanville campus, the CDO will lead the next chapter of fundraising and alumni engagement - building on significant institutional momentum to advance CBS's mission and priorities. The CDO will oversee a team of approximately 50 professionals across major and principal gifts, alumni and corporate relations, foundation relations, advancement services, and strategic communications, and has full responsibility for the department's operating budget. Founded in 1916, Columbia Business School (CBS) has helped to develop leaders who create value for business and society at large for over 100 years. Today, CBS guides students to solve the increasingly complex challenges of the modern business era with their cutting-edge curriculum, groundbreaking research, commitment to an inclusive and representative community, and real-time connection to industry and practice, both within New York City and around the world. CBS's alumni network includes more than 53,000 graduates worldwide and represents one of the University's most significant institutional assets. Alumni are deeply represented across capital markets, private equity, venture capital, asset management, and corporate leadership, with a particularly strong concentration in New York and additional clusters in California, Europe, and Asia. This geographic and industry density creates a powerful network embedded at the highest levels of global business and enterprise leadership. Columbia Business School is uniquely positioned to lead at the intersection of business, technology, and societal impact—areas that will define the global economy for years to come. With unmatched access to business as it unfolds, plus a vital community of diverse thinkers, graduates leave the School informed, adaptive, and ready to solve real-world business challenges with innovative solutions.

At least ten years of senior fundraising leadership experience in a complex institution is required for this position. Columbia Business School will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to CBS, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Columbia Business School and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $400,000 to $425,000. Columbia University offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan options, tuition assistance programs, family building support, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Columbia Business School is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Jeanette Rivera-Watts at View email address on click.appcast.io.