Chief Advancement Officer - College of Engineering

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. This is a unique opportunity for a proven development professional to partner with a dynamic and energetic dean to further advance and deliver on the College’s mission. 

The new CAO will join the College of Engineering at a moment of transition, working with a new dean who is a long-standing member of the College of Engineering in a variety of academic and leadership roles, and at a moment of reflection and reprioritization following the end of a comprehensive campaign. The CAO will serve as a key partner as the Dean frames and realizes her vision for COE, and will provide leadership and management for the vision, direction, planning, and execution of fundraising and alumni relations activities for the College. This individual will bring a thoughtful, proactive, collaborative, and entrepreneurial approach to leveraging COE’s existing relationships as well as positioning the Dean and other key leadership to connect with philanthropists, entrepreneurs, alumni, and business leaders who may not yet be engaged with the College.

The CAO will inherit a high-performing team specializing in individual gifts, corporate philanthropy, and foundation support, as well as alumni relations. The CAO will lead the team to launch systematic initiatives to identify and cultivate the next generation of donors – domestically and internationally – while maintaining and strengthening ties to existing donors and seeking out new philanthropic opportunities. The CAO will lead by example, carrying a personal portfolio of major gift prospects.

The CAO will be active and visible on campus and in the greater community and will possess a deep appreciation for and the ability to clearly articulate the role and importance of a research university, as well as the achievements and aspirations of COE, to a broad and diverse audience.

Core responsibilities include:

Advancement Strategy and Leadership

• 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.

Fundraising & External Engagement

• 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.

Collaboration and Integration

• 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.

Operations, Reporting, and Management

• 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.

Team Leadership

• 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.

The next CAO will have proven success leading development staff through the process of setting and achieving annual and long-range fundraising goals with an ability to transform new ideas into executable and enduring programs. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who operates with a sense of urgency and thinks strategically, analytically, and entrepreneurially, as well as a seasoned team leader adept at maximizing, leveraging, and advocating for a talented staff, and facilitating team success.

Lastly, the next CAO must possess a demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards and exhibit the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders.

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

[email protected]

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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