Executive Director, International Development - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Executive Director for International Development provides strategic leadership for Carnegie Mellon University's international philanthropic engagement efforts, advancing the institution's highest fundraising priorities across key global markets. The role reports to the Associate Vice President for Development and leads fundraising strategy and execution in priority regions outside the United States. The Executive Director manages a personal portfolio of approximately 125 high-net-worth donors and prospective donors with a rated capacity of $250,000 or more. The role involves extensive travel, including approximately four to six international trips annually, to engage donors, prospects, volunteers, and university partners. Working with University Advancement leadership, academic leaders, deans, faculty, volunteers, and university leadership, the Executive Director develops and executes international fundraising strategies, identifies emerging opportunities, develops philanthropic priorities and proposals, and creates region-specific engagement plans. The role also manages major gift prospects and fundraising outcomes; leads and develops a team of development officers and support staff; and partners with Alumni and Constituent Engagement to integrate alumni engagement and fundraising activities. AI-enabled tools, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies are used to improve prospect identification, portfolio management, donor engagement, travel planning, and fundraising performance. This position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a full-time, regular staff role. Regular domestic and international travel is required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor an employment visa for this opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in development, including at least five years in higher education fundraising.
Proven international fundraising experience, including a track record of securing six-figure or greater gifts.
Significant experience developing and executing fundraising strategies across diverse international markets and cultures, including navigating differing philanthropic traditions, business practices, regulatory environments, and relationship-building norms.
High cultural intelligence, adaptability, diplomacy, and global perspective.
Ability to build and sustain productive relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, senior university leaders, faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders.
Leadership and management experience supervising, mentoring, and developing fundraising professionals and support staff.
Experience establishing fundraising goals, managing prospect portfolios, tracking performance metrics, and driving measurable philanthropic results.
Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, donor lifecycle management, prospect strategy development, and moves management best practices.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with institutional objectives.
Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to articulate Carnegie Mellon's mission, vision, priorities, and case for philanthropic support.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.
Valid state driver's license; annual driver's license verification and completion of the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving training program once every three years are required.
Must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a personal portfolio of approximately 125 high-net-worth donors and prospective donors with rated capacity of $250,000 or more in strategic international regions.
Travel extensively, including approximately four to six international trips annually, to engage donors, prospects, volunteers, and university partners.
Develop and execute comprehensive international fundraising strategies with University Advancement leadership, academic leaders, deans, faculty, volunteers, and university leadership.
Lead implementation of international fundraising and market-based philanthropy strategies; identify emerging opportunities, develop philanthropic priorities and proposals, and create region-specific engagement plans.
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and drive measurable annual fundraising outcomes.
Lead a team of development officers and support staff, including talent management, performance evaluation, and team motivation.
Partner with the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Constituent Engagement to integrate alumni engagement with prospect identification, cultivation, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship.
Use AI-enabled tools, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies to enhance prospect identification, portfolio management, donor engagement, travel planning, and fundraising performance.
Perform other duties as assigned.