Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development with a dotted line to the Dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Science (CMNS), the Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as the chief fundraiser for CMNS with responsibility for formulating and executing an integrated program of development and alumni relations strategies to maximize philanthropic support for the school’s strategic initiatives. The CDO will actively manage a portfolio of 50-75 of the school’s top major and principal gift prospects; strategically manage the Dean’s development and alumni relations activities with a focus on using them to engage, cultivate and solicit principal gift prospects; manage a team of 9 professionals and support staff to advance best practices that promote philanthropic engagement and support from all constituencies; and develop volunteer philanthropic leadership, overseeing the strategy and recruitment for the CMNS Board of Visitors. The CDO is a key member of the Dean’s leadership team and a senior leader of the University’s development staff.

The Chief Development Officer will be an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record in major and principal gift fundraising with a particular strength in developing strategic and comprehensive fundraising plans and executing these plans to achieve goals and objectives. They will be a talented and effective manager and mentor with the ability to motivate and inspire while ensuring accountability, productivity and growth. The CDO must be able to navigate and excel in a highly-complex and metrics-oriented organization, engage and collaborate with academic, institutional and volunteer leadership.

This position will require working evenings and weekends as necessary. 30-50% travel is required.

Physical Demands:
Traditional office environment. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as necessary. Travel of 30-50% is required.


Preferences:
-Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
-Broad understanding of higher education and particularly of public research universities and an appreciation of the mission are important.
-Previous experience in higher education institutions and/or non-profit institutions.
-Entrepreneurial and strategic fundraiser.
-Ability to work effectively and cooperatively across a large institution with a centralized development program.
-Ability to identify and build constituencies for support, in setting and achieving individual and group goals, and in planning and executing campaigns.
-Experience with corporate and foundation fundraising.
-Knowledgeable about best practices in the advancement field.
-Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across the university for the enhancement of the donor experience.
-Must have an appreciation for the academic experience and activities of a major research university.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Ten (10) years of fundraising, including experience in major and principal gifts fundraising. Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff, including experience managing major gifts officers.

Knowledge of the principles of management and leadership.
Knowledge of financial policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to work on multiple projects and programs simultaneously.
Ability to conduct research and analysis for aid program development.
Ability to analyze data and provide insight and recommendations to stakeholders.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to resolve complex financial related problems by applying various methodologies and deciding between several alternative solutions.

Additional Job Details

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter

 

Best Consideration Date: 8/5/2025

 

Posting Close Date: N/A

 

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

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