the client seeks an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as its inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role, the CEO acts as the client’s chief ambassador and strategist, advancing transformational philanthropy by building support among alumni, donors, and partners. The CEO will elevate the client’s reach and influence, deepen engagement with key constituencies, and champion initiatives that support academic excellence, student success, and community impact.
The client’s mission is to help secure the university’s future through meaningful engagement, philanthropy, and prudent asset management. The President and CEO provides executive leadership that shapes strategy, accelerates performance, and advances the university’s most ambitious priorities. The role includes developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan, providing overall leadership and oversight of advancement activities, and overseeing all financial operations of the client, while serving as the primary liaison to the client’s Board of Trustees and ensuring effective implementation and enhancement of the communication strategy.
The President and CEO is expected to provide executive-level oversight of client operations and build strong, sustainable relationships with key university leadership to align institutional vision with philanthropic impact. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (with a master’s degree preferred) in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; at least fifteen years of progressive experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field; and at least five years in a senior leadership role. The ideal candidate demonstrates successful organizational leadership, strong fundraising and donor relations experience, administrative leadership in higher education (preferably within Development and Alumni Relations), senior leadership experience with a comprehensive capital campaign (preferred), proven ability to lead high-performing teams, strong strategic planning and execution skills, exceptional communication abilities, and sound financial acumen, including budgeting and fiscal management.