Vice President for Advancement

Chatham University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Chatham University seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President for Advancement to partner closely with the President and senior leadership team. This role is for a builder who will have the opportunity to reimagine and modernize the advancement function by aligning people, systems, and strategy to create a high-performing, forward-looking operation. Working at the intersection of institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunity, this leader will translate Chatham’s aspirations into a compelling case for support that inspires investment and engagement from a broad and growing community of donors and partners. As a member of the President’s Leadership Team, the Vice President will play a central role in shaping the University’s future. In close collaboration with the President, the Board of Trustees, and senior colleagues, they will help define and advance both immediate and long-term strategic goals. Equally important, they will serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for Chatham, building authentic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University, and inviting them into a shared vision for impact. At its core, this role is about creating a culture of philanthropy. The Vice President will foster that culture across campus and beyond ensuring that advancement is not a standalone function, but a shared responsibility rooted in storytelling, connection, and purpose. They will guide the development of integrated strategies spanning annual giving, major and planned gifts, alumni engagement, and stewardship, all grounded in data-informed decision-making and best practices. The Vice President will lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign, positioning Chatham to secure the resources needed to advance student success, support academic innovation, and steward its distinctive campus and programs. They will also identify new and creative pathways for philanthropy by broadening the University’s reach beyond traditional models and engaging new constituencies in meaningful ways. Early fundraising priorities will center on re-engaging alumni and cultivating major gifts from foundations and individual donors. Immediate funding needs include capital investment in the renewal of Shadyside facilities, strengthened support for athletics, and increased resources for scholarships. Internally, the Vice President will be a leader of leaders through recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring a talented team while building the infrastructure and accountability needed to sustain long-term success. They will bring clarity, energy, and discipline to the work, ensuring that goals are ambitious, progress is measurable, and outcomes are achieved. The Vice President will serve as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees and provide staff support to the Committee on Advancement and External Relations.

Requirements

Must be eager to contribute actively to the mission of Chatham University, with an appreciation for its values-driven focus on capital projects, athletics and support for scholarships.
10 or more years of demonstrated success in Advancement, fundraising, and the administration of capital campaigns required (including a track record of raising six figure gifts), or the equivalent in executive leadership in sales or other related fields.
A bachelor’s degree is required.
Strong communication skills are required.
Ability to track and manage multiple projects and initiatives using cutting-edge technology.
Demonstrated success in increasing the effectiveness of a fundraising or similar unit through established objectives and managing a high-performing team.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically as both a Vice President for Advancement and senior institutional leader.
Ability to build strong and healthy relationships with all internal and external constituencies.
Motivated to be a change agent, with success in effecting large-scale change in previous organizations.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree is preferred.
Senior experience in higher education is strongly preferred but, for uniquely qualified candidates, not required.
Experience in adjacent sectors with transferable skills, fresh perspective, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

Reimagine and modernize the advancement function by aligning people, systems, and strategy to create a high-performing, forward-looking operation.
Translate institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunity into a compelling case for support.
Inspire investment and engagement from donors and partners.
Help define and advance immediate and long-term strategic goals in collaboration with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior colleagues.
Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for Chatham, building authentic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends.
Create a culture of philanthropy across campus and beyond.
Guide the development of integrated strategies spanning annual giving, major and planned gifts, alumni engagement, and stewardship.
Lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign.
Identify new and creative pathways for philanthropy by broadening the University’s reach and engaging new constituencies.
Focus on re-engaging alumni and cultivating major gifts from foundations and individual donors.
Recruit, mentor, and inspire a talented team.
Build the infrastructure and accountability needed to sustain long-term success.
Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees and provide staff support to the Committee on Advancement and External Relations.