Associate Vice President, Development - University Advancement

University Advancement supports Carnegie Mellon University's incredible growth and momentum and the vision of having a transformative impact on society. We do this by building relationships with various constituencies, providing leadership for events, including most university-level events, and securing critical industry sponsorship and private philanthropic support. As the division grows, we are seeking an Associate Vice President (AVP), Development to join our team.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement, the AVP, Development will lead central fundraising units, including Gift Planning, International Development, Leadership Annual Giving, and Campus Initiatives. They will collaborate with deans and college and school-based advancement staff to enhance development programs for the university's seven colleges and libraries. This includes coordinating fundraising strategies and priorities, budget and staffing models, volunteer fundraising boards, and metrics and analysis.

In addition, the AVP will be responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a select group of prospects. As a member of the senior leadership team, the AVP will set and achieve goals that advance the mission of the university, and benefit its community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This role involves promoting a culture of philanthropy and increasing alumni participation in the university's comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading central fundraising units, including Leadership Annual Giving, International Development, Gift Planning, and Campus Initiatives.

• Ensuring school-based programs are coordinated with central fundraising programs to maximize engagement and fundraising results, in partnership with the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement.

• Managing a portfolio of approximately 30 leadership and principal gift donor prospects, ensuring personalized engagement, cultivation, and solicitation strategies are tailored to individual donor interests and university priorities.

• Serving as a member of the Vice President for University Advancement's management team.

• Collaborating with the Senior Associate Vice President to develop fundraising strategies and methodologies for the university's next campaign, and supporting pre-campaign planning and infrastructure development, including working with senior university leadership to define and establish fundraising priorities.

• Coordinating the development of strategies for the university's top prospects with the schools and college units in conjunction with the Senior Associate Vice President and developing processes for ensuring that prospect strategies are being followed and implemented.

• Leading active, collaborative efforts to develop effective and coordinated strategies for prospects with cross-disciplinary philanthropic interests, facilitates action plans and monitors implementation of strategies.

• Partnering with the Senior Associate Vice President, convene quarterly meetings for front-line fundraisers to share updates on university priorities and best practices for CMU fundraising staff.

• Managing a high-level portfolio of gift prospects and leading the team by example with a high level of major and principal gift productivity.

• Leading, coaching, and evaluating the performance of direct reports.

• Maximizing effectiveness across all levels of the organization through other duties, as assigned.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A commitment to the mission of Carnegie Mellon University - to create a transformative educational experience for students focused on deep disciplinary knowledge, problem solving, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, and personal health and well-being.

• A history of success developing and managing relationships with academic leaders, volunteer leadership, and major donors and prospects.

• Strong supervisory, coaching, and mentoring skills.

• Cultural sensitivity in interacting with a broad alumni population both domestically and internationally.

• In-depth knowledge of higher education governance, administration, and operations.

• An ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and alter strategic development plans and achieve revenue results.

• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience; master's degree preferred.

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in development, with at least five of those years in management, preferably including experience as a Chief Advancement Officer or Assistant/Associate Dean of a school or college in a complex research university.

• Experience in a campaign environment is desirable.

Requirements:

• Completion of a successful background check.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Aspen Leadership Group for assistance in this exciting search.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include a cover letter/letter of interest, CV, or resume.

To apply for this position, visit:Associate Vice President for Development

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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