Chief Advancement Officer

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to help lead efforts to develop the philanthropic support that will enable CMU and its academic units to fulfill their potential and continue their ascent. The Chief Advancement Officer will join the organization as CMU strives to elevate its advancement program and build on the success of Make Possible Campaign.

The CAO will partner with the Dean of the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy to set a strategic advancement vision for the college, with oversight of a broad range of unit-level advancement functions encompassing major gifts, donor relations, annual giving, events, alumni and constituent engagement, and management of the unit’s advisory board. The CAO will also serve as a member of the Dean’s leadership team, in addition to being a senior leader within the division of University Advancement and serving as a member of the CMU Advancement Leadership Council.

This role will manage the advancement staff assigned to Heinz College and will carry a portfolio of the unit’s top prospects, executing cultivation and solicitation strategies, and securing major, leadership, and principal gifts. In addition, they will be responsible for identifying, refining, and articulating their unit’s fundraising needs, communicating those needs to internal and external audiences, and generating excitement for the Dean’s top priorities while ensuring that frontline fundraisers across the university are equipped to advocate for their vision.

University Advancement at CMU is a matrixed and distributed organization, with staff based in central units and in the academic units. The Chief Advancement Officer is key to integrating college level advancement operations with centrally based advancement programs and resources, and will collaborate with fundraisers across CMU’s schools, colleges, and centrally based units to develop cultivation and engagement strategies to achieve maximum impact across the institution. They will also partner closely with Advancement Information Services to define, measure, and report on their unit’s success.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Providing leadership and management of all Advancement-related activities in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

• Serving as a senior member of the Dean’s leadership team, as well as members of the CMU Advancement Leadership Council.

• Identifying and articulating fundraising priorities for assigned areas in support of strategic objectives.

• Setting the strategy for and supporting the development activity for the Dean, senior faculty members, key administrators, and other essential stakeholders.

• Coordinating fundraising activities with colleagues in corporate relations, foundation relations, and other advancement offices across the university.

• Collaborating with University Advancement departments, including donor relations, alumni relations, and advancement services.

• Reporting on the results of all advancement activities.

• Managing a portfolio of donors and prospects for the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

• Being accountable for reaching unit-based fundraising goals.

• Traveling domestically and possibly internationally.

• Developing and managing a budget to support advancement activities.

• Leading, coaching, and evaluating the performance of assigned staff.

• Creating an environment that rewards excellence, creativity, integrity, and teamwork.

• Helping maximize effectiveness across all levels of the organization through additional assignments.

• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.

• Demonstrated success in developing and managing relationships with deans, volunteers, leadership, and major donors and prospects.

• Management experience including an ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve goals.

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

• The ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and update strategic development plans.

• Excellent writing, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaboration.

• Energy, self-motivation, flexibility, and adaptability.

• A commitment to Carnegie Mellon University’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree required (master’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience is preferred).

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible development experience is required.

• 3-5 years of experience leading and supervising teams is preferred.

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful background check

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

• Travel Requirements: You should be able to travel both domestically and internationally and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed.

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

More information about Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy can be found here.

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, please visit: Chief Advancement Officer, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

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 insuranceas 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!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

University Administration and Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: