Executive Director of University Advancement - Chatham University

Executive Director of University Advancement

Chatham University is seeking an inspiring Executive Director of University Advancement to join our dynamic team on the historic Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania campus. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a celebrated private university. Under the visionary leadership of our new president, Rhonda Phillips, we are entering a period of bold ambitions and significant growth. Our Advancement Office, composed of dedicated fundraisers, alumni relations specialists, communications experts, and hardworking support staff, has already achieved strong fundraising outcomes and developed a promising pipeline for future giving. If you are a seasoned philanthropy professional ready to make a substantial impact, we invite you to apply.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of University Advancement at Chatham University serves as a vital member of the President's Cabinet, reporting directly to and working closely with the president. The Director will also work with trustees and other members of the Chatham community: alums, senior university staff, deans, faculty, donors, funders, and volunteers. Key peers include the Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs, Athletics, Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications, and Student Affairs. Also, the new director will work closely with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer to ensure excellence in fund management, investment, and stewardship.

This role collaborates with Chatham's leaders to develop fundraising priorities and strategies, aiming to increase donor engagement and solicitation. The Executive Director is expected to build strong relationships across the Chatham community, enhance regional engagement, and boost various types of gifts, including annual, foundation, major, planned, and principal gifts.

This position involves significant interaction with alumni volunteer leaders and plays a crucial role in comprehensive campaign execution. It is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An accomplished fundraiser, the Executive Director leads an integrated team of advancement, development, and communications professionals, overseeing six positions, including Development Officer, Director and Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, Senior Director and Assistant Director of Donor Services, and an Administrative Assistant.

This role demands the highest degree of integrity, accountability, and professionalism, working closely with the President to foster a performance-driven advancement environment. Success in this role requires a collaborative, creative, confident, and results-oriented leader capable of articulating compelling cases for support and leading teams to ensure the growth and vitality of one of Pennsylvania's distinguished universities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Maintain collaborative relationships with President, Board, and university community and be able to implement and achieve goals.
• Provide inspiring management and leadership for Chatham's advancement team.
• Manage divisional budgets effectively.
• Partner with Chatham leadership; set clear goals and expectations.
• Develop constituent programs, support alumni and volunteer advocacy.
• Promote a diverse workforce; encourage inclusion and teamwork.
• Build a strong advancement infrastructure; optimize fundraising.

Fundraising Priorities

• Familiarize with existing major gift donors.
• Visit donors or send fundraisers promptly.
• Develop new look and feel for outreach initiatives.
• Develop portfolio of cases-for-giving for diverse giving levels.
• Leverage research for best practices in donor cultivation and engagement and for managing funds and stewardship.
• Build assessment models for fundraiser activity balancing income and relationship building.
• Manage own portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Personally secure significant major gift income.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of leadership in advancement programs with multi-year campaign experience preferred.
• Ability to manage, motivate, and retain a diverse team.
• Goal-driven to achieve fundraising benchmarks, targets, and objectives.
• Proven experience with securing six- and seven-figure major gifts.
• Proactive leader; build long-term relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong emotional intelligence; active listener, consensus builder, effective coach.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; persuasive and inspiring.
• Proficient in advancement technology and donor databases.
• Willingness to travel and attend events, including evenings and weekends.
• Manage budgets, strong fiscal management skills a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required with graduate degree preferred.

Pay Range

$115,200 to $158,200, depending on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.applicantpro.com/jobs/3366174) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

 

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.

About Chatham University

Founded in 1869, Chatham University has an enrollment of over 2,200 students across over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in our areas of excellence: sustainability & health, business & communications, and the arts & sciences. Since its beginning, Chatham has been dedicated to developing leaders, first as a women's college then later welcoming all genders. Chatham is consistently named a College of Distinction and is top ranked for social mobility and a "Best College" by U.S. News & World Report. As the alma mater of environmental icon Rachel Carson '29, Chatham is perennially ranked as one of the "greenest" colleges in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA-one of the country's most livable cities and great college towns-Chatham is composed of three distinct locations: the historic arboretum, Shadyside Campus; Chatham Eastside in the fast-growing East End; and Eden Hall Campus, one of the world's most sustainable campuses. Chatham's mission is "to prepare students to build lives of purpose, value, and fulfilling work...by preparing graduates to be informed and engaged citizens in their communities; to recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion; and to live sustainably." Building on this mission, Chatham is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning, living, and working environments for all members of the campus community.

Throughout its history Chatham has been innovative and entrepreneurial in its growth from a small women's college 150 years ago to the dynamic, coeducational University of today. Some of these forward-thinking initiatives include:

• The Integrated Degree Program allows an undergraduate student to begin a Chatham graduate program during their senior year and earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in as few as five years.
• The Center for Women's Entrepreneurship, the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, and the Chatham University Women's Institute each work to level the playing field by building leadership skills that can propel women into executive-level positions in areas that are traditionally under-represented by women.
• The Bachelor of Immersive Media is one of the first undergraduate degree programs of its kind in the United States, preparing students to be on the forefront of the technology and development of virtual and augmented reality design.
• The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is noted for its problem-based learning pedagogy and interprofessional training of its students.
• The Master of Arts in Food Studies is unique in its emphasis on a holistic approach to food systems and is the only graduate food studies program in the U.S. to offer both sustainable agriculture and culinary arts and cuisine within a liberal arts environment.
• The Gateway Program was one of first undergraduate programs in the U.S. designed exclusively for women over the age of 23 who want to return to college and earn a bachelor's degree.