Chief Advancement Officer - College of Engineering

About the role

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) seeks a seasoned and inspirational fundraising professional to serve as the next Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) for the College of Engineering. Joining Dean Burcu Akinci at the outset of her tenure and serving as an integral member of the Dean’s senior management team, the CAO will provide bold strategic vision, leadership, and direction for all fundraising, alumni engagement, and stewardship activities for COE.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management of the vision, direction, planning, and execution of fundraising and alumni engagement activities for the College of Engineering.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Dean and a key member of the College’s leadership team in shaping and implementing a comprehensive and effective advancement strategy.
• Identify, articulate, and prioritize fundraising and engagement opportunities aligned with the College’s strategic objectives.
• Set strategy for and support the Dean’s and senior faculty members’ advancement and external engagement activities.
• Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual and foundation donors in support of the College.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors, including alumni and philanthropic leaders.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to translate research and educational strengths into compelling fundraising opportunities.
• Engage with the Dean’s Advocacy Council, setting their collective sights on the new Dean’s priorities.
• Set strategy for recruitment, engagement, and stewardship of the College’s advisory boards, councils, and volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate with central foundation relations, major gift officers, planned giving officers, CAOs of other colleges, and other teams to secure increased investment in the College of Engineering.
• Collaborate closely with central university advancement departments, including donor relations, alumni relations, advancement services, and strategic philanthropic initiatives.
• Partner with advancement information services to define, measure, and report on advancement outcomes and performance.
• Closely liaise with the College’s Partnership Office to identify and interact with prospective donors who also represent industry and or government entities.
• Report on the results of all advancement activities related to the College of Engineering.
• Manage the College’s interest in the University’s database of donors and prospects in alignment with University standards and systems.
• Devise and implement metrics to measure the performance of the advancement activities within the College of Engineering.
• Develop and manage the advancement office budget and allocate resources to support strategic priorities.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate the performance of professional and support staff engaged in advancement and alumni relations.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative, and service-oriented advancement team.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of progressively responsible advancement or development experience in higher education, with at least five years in a management or leadership role; experience in a campaign environment is strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of major gift fundraising, corporate and foundation giving, and comprehensive campaigns.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing relationships with deans, faculty leaders, volunteer leadership, and major donors or prospects.
• Staff and program management experience in a complex organization.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and adapt strategic advancement plans to achieve revenue and engagement goals.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with a diverse alumni and donor population, domestically and internationally.
• In-depth knowledge of university governance, administration, and operations.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Energetic, self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative leadership style.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the University and the College of Engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Additional Information

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Carnegie Mellon University has retained Isaacson Miller to assist in this important search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are welcome. Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Apply via Isaacson Miller’s candidate portal: Chief Advancement Officer – College of Engineering Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Jack Gorman JGorman@imsearch.com