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Vice President for Advancement

Chatham University stands at a defining moment. It is one shaped by opportunity, momentum, and a renewed commitment to its mission. The University is poised to deepen its impact and expand its reach. To help realize this vision, Chatham seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President for Advancement to partner closely with the President and senior leadership team. This is a role for a builder.

The next Vice President 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.

Chatham seeks a leader who is both strategic and relational. The Vice President will be someone who can think broadly about institutional priorities while also connecting authentically with individuals. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of fundraising success, including the ability to secure major gifts and lead complex initiatives, along with the judgment and presence to operate as a senior institutional leader.

While experience in higher education is highly valued, the University is also interested in leaders from adjacent sectors who bring transferable skills, fresh perspective, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work.

Qualifications:

• 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; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Senior experience in higher education is strongly preferred but, for uniquely qualified candidates, not required.
• Strong communication skills are required, as is the 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.

Salary Range: 

$138,700-$180,000. 40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience. 

How to Apply: 

This search is being managed by executive search firm, Boyden. All applications must be received via the Chatham posting and will be reviewed by the Boyden team. For questions about this search, please contact Holly Wolk at [email protected]. Application materials must be received through the below link, though. Please do not email them.

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/ChathamUniversity/job/Pittsburgh-PA/Vice-President-for-Advancement_JR00000858) 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 strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.