Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

University of Northwestern - St. Paul•Minnesota, MN

2d•$145,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Institutional Advancement Officer is a member of Northwestern’s executive leadership team and leads the institution’s comprehensive advancement enterprise. The role provides strategic vision and direction across philanthropy, constituent engagement, government and community relations, strategic partnerships, and external communications. The officer fosters a culture of philanthropy, strengthens stakeholder relationships, expands philanthropic support, enhances institutional visibility and reputation, and aligns strategic priorities with external messaging. As the institution’s chief advancement strategist and lead fundraiser, the officer partners with leadership and external constituents to support organizational sustainability, mission impact, and long-term growth. The role represents the University in selected external engagements and serves as a trusted advisor to the President, executive leadership, and Board. Employees are expected to actively partner with the University in discipling students intellectually and spiritually and with Northwestern Media in its gospel outreach. The position is based at the University Campus in St. Paul, Minnesota. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, communications, nonprofit or large ministry leadership, or a related field.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
At least 5 years of successful progressive supervisory and leadership experience.
Experience working with governing boards, executive leaders, and key stakeholders.
Maintain a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in interactions, and uphold Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement, and Declaration of Christian Community.
Exceptional relationship-building, stakeholder engagement, networking, interpersonal, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly to diverse, non-financial audiences.
Strategic understanding of fundraising, planned giving, donor stewardship, financial management, and related legal, regulatory, tax, and ethical requirements.
Ability to steward philanthropic and institutional resources responsibly, advance organizational priorities, and maintain compliance with applicable standards.
Discretion in handling sensitive information.
Strong time management and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and attend to detail.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed and to travel as necessary.
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Commitment to Northwestern’s mission and values and agreement to abide by its policies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar professional credential.
Five or more years of leadership experience within Christian organizations, ministries, higher education, or nonprofit institutions.
Experience leading comprehensive campaigns and transformational gift initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for Northwestern’s advancement enterprise and develop and execute integrated fundraising and engagement strategies.
Develop transformational philanthropic partnerships and foster philanthropy among donors, alumni, churches, foundations, corporations, and other constituents.
Direct comprehensive, capital, and special campaign strategies to grow philanthropic support, donor engagement, and long-term revenue.
Ensure excellence in advancement operations, stewardship, performance management, accountability, and fundraising practices.
Lead external relations and public engagement to strengthen the institution’s reputation, visibility, and influence.
Cultivate partnerships with government leaders, community organizations, alumni, donors, churches, corporations, and other external constituencies.
Represent the President and executive leadership in selected external engagements, partnerships, and public-facing initiatives at local, state, and national levels.
Provide vision and strategic direction for the advancement function, fostering philanthropy, collaboration, accountability, Christ-centered leadership, and service.
Build and sustain a high-performing advancement organization through leadership, organizational design, talent development, and operational excellence.
Align advancement strategies with institutional priorities, financial sustainability, and enterprise-wide objectives in partnership with executive leadership.
Advise the President, executive leadership, and Board on philanthropy, constituent engagement, external relations, emerging trends, and opportunities for institutional growth and impact.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Partner with the University to disciple students intellectually and spiritually and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their faith.