Associate Vice President for University Advancement and Chief Development Officer

MARSHALL B KETCHUM UNIVERSITY • Anaheim, CA

182d • $170,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Associate Vice President for University Advancement and Chief Development Officer (AVP/CDO) will serve as a trusted thought partner to the Vice President for University Advancement, leading the next level of development of a maintainable philanthropic infrastructure with long-term impact. The AVP/CDO will guide a team of development staff and work collaboratively with senior leadership to build a unified philanthropic vision that reflects the university’s deep commitment to its mission. The AVP/CDO serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President for University Advancement and a key architect of MBKU’s philanthropic future. As the university enters a pivotal chapter of growth and possibility, the AVP/CDO will lead, manage, and inspire a team of fundraising professionals in central development (corporate and foundation relations, planned giving and annual giving), cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and bold vision. This leader will shape and execute strategic fundraising plans that elevate private support, with oversight spanning major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, annual and planned giving, donor relations, and prospect development. Beyond oversight of development staff and a portfolio of top prospects, the AVP/CDO will act as a chief collaborator, bringing together academic leadership, advancement staff, and university partners to align philanthropic investment with institutional priorities. The department of University Advancement at MBKU plays a vital role in strengthening the university’s reputation and securing private support. Through meaningful engagement with alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and the broader community, the division cultivates partnerships that advance the university’s mission and long-term success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Five (5) years of professional experience as a seasoned performance-driven senior development officer of a higher education or nonprofit institution which may include major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
• Five (5) years of management or supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• 5-8 years of management or supervisory experience with major gift program with performance-driven metrics and accountability.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to build a philanthropic community that reflects MBKU’s values.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic leader to strengthen the culture of philanthropy at MBKU, and advance a culture of performance excellence within University Advancement.
• Leverage strong communication skills and storytelling to articulate MBKU’s mission, vision, and values in ways that resonate with all constituents and inspire philanthropic engagement from alumni, corporations, foundations, patients and community members.
• Oversee University Advancement development staff, development consultants, including foundation and corporate relations, planning and annual giving efforts.
• Coach and develop the UA team through strategic mentorship, clear goal alignment, and impactful performance management.
• Drive cohesive strategy development and execution across the campus ensuring alignment with the university’s top fundraising priorities and long-term vision.
• Champion best practices in gift administration and prospect management and ensure organizational accountability through the consistent application of Advancement policies and procedures.
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-level prospects and work in close partnership with university leadership (VP for Advancement, President, Deans) to cultivate and solicit transformational gifts.
• Serve as strategist and thought partner on six-figure+ prospects.
• Serve as one of the staff liaisons to the MBKU Board of Trustees, with primary responsibility for the Advancement Committee.
• Assist in fostering an inclusive and high-performing board culture that advances university fundraising goals and aspirations.
• Serve as a senior member of the Advancement leadership team.
• Contribute to divisional strategic planning and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with Database Consultants to ensure adherence to prospect management protocols, stewardship processes, and systems optimization.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Vice President for Advancement.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Free vision exams
• Short and long term disability
• Generous paid time off plans
• University-sponsored retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree