Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts - 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), Principal Gifts to join the team.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement, the AVP, Principal Gifts will be responsible for the discovery, development, and management of a personal portfolio of high-net-worth individuals capable of making seven-figure philanthropic contributions or greater. This position will provide strategic leadership for fundraising efforts focused on CMU's highest priority initiatives and will work closely with university leadership across the institution.

In addition, the AVP will bring expertise in big idea strategy development across a complex, matrixed organization and will be responsible for fostering ideas and proposals that inspire philanthropic partnerships in support of CMU's mission. They will drive high-impact stewardship for the institution's top donors that enhances connection, builds a sense of community amongst philanthropists, and inspires continued support and investment.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading and shaping the strategic direction and vision for CMU's principal giving program by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with individuals capable of making transformational gifts (seven figures or greater), ensuring their engagement and interests remain aligned with CMU's strategic priorities.

• Setting strategic goals for the principal gift program in collaboration with the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement, university leadership, and working with the academic units.

• Developing and implementing comprehensive engagement strategies for CMU's top donors and prospects with the potential to make significant contributions to the university.

• Driving and managing strategic, consistent, and highly personalized engagement with key donors, including meaningful interactions with CMU's President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, academic leaders, faculty, and influential campus volunteers and supporters.

• Cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with CMU's gift officers, Chief Advancement Officers, deans, department heads, and university leadership to ensure seamless coordination with academic units to deliver a unified, impactful approach to donor engagement, solicitation, and stewardship, with a focus on developing and executing tailored strategies for prospects with cross-disciplinary interests.

• Leading the development of high-level, compelling fundraising ideas and proposals that inspire philanthropic support aligned with CMU's mission and institutional priorities.

• Managing a portfolio of approximately 50 principal gift donor prospects, each with the capacity to give $1 million or more, ensuring personalized engagement, cultivation, and solicitation strategies are tailored to individual donor interests and priorities.

• Leading a team that provides support for the management of the university's top prospect relationships including the management of proposal development, gift agreements, senior university leaders' involvement and briefings, and senior university leaders' presentations and talking points as required.

• Serving as a key member of the Vice President for University Advancement's management team and leading, mentoring, and evaluating the performance of direct reports, fostering a high-performance team.

• leading, mentoring, and evaluating the performance of direct reports, fostering a high-performing team;

• Convening and leading regular prospect strategy meetings with front-line fundraisers to discuss optimal strategies, track progress on assigned prospects, and ensure alignment with CMU's goals.

• Serving as a subject matter expert in principal gifts, driving high-level strategies with complex gift discussions to secure transformative contributions to the university.

• Playing a key role in maximizing organizational effectiveness across all levels of University Advancement and taking on additional 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.

• Expertise in strategic development, donor cultivation, and engagement, ideally within higher education or a complex organizational setting.

• Success building, managing, and moving a pipeline of donors and prospects.

• The ability to work collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and key stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals.

• A deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, especially in higher education.

• Success developing and managing relationships with academic leaders, volunteer leadership, and major and principal gifts donors/prospects.

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

• Experience in principal gift fundraising, with a track record of securing gifts with significant institutional impact.

• Experience leading complex gift strategies and negotiations with institutional leaders.

• Advanced knowledge of major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.

• Strong supervisory, coaching, and mentoring skills.

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

• Exceptional writing, communication, 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 in a complex research university setting.

• Advanced knowledge of major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.

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

• Proven experience in principal gift fundraising, with a track record of securing seven-figure or greater gifts.

• Experience leading complex gift strategies and negotiations with institutional leaders.

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, Principal Gifts

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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