Chief Advancement Officer

Korn Ferry is pleased to be the exclusive search partner to assist UWCSEA with the appointment of their inaugural Chief Advancement Officer.

Chief Advancement Officer

UWC South East Asia (UWCSEA), a leading international school in Singapore with two campuses, approximately 6,000 students and 1,200 staff, is seeking an experienced and mission-aligned Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to join the College as a senior leader and member of the College Leadership Team.

As UWCSEA enters a transformative phase, the Foundation is preparing to launch a major fundraising campaign to extend the impact of the UWC mission in Singapore and beyond, while supporting the development of the next iteration of the Dover Campus at Tengah. The CAO will lead the design and execution of this ambitious advancement strategy, driving donor engagement, strengthening alumni relations, and cultivating international partnerships. By aligning stakeholder interests with institutional priorities, you will secure vital philanthropic support and elevate UWCSEA’s standing as a leader in sustainable, inclusive education.

Reporting directly to the Head of College, the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the College’s fundraising initiatives. The CAO will work closely with the Head of College, the Board, the Campaign Committee, and the Director of Engagement and External Relations. This role will also oversee the fundraising and alumni relations teams to ensure alignment with the College’s overall advancement goals.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, strategic leader with over 15 years of advancement experience in global education, nonprofits, or mission-driven sectors. You will bring a strong track record in securing major gifts, leading capital campaigns, and engaging culturally diverse stakeholders across Asia. Deeply connected in Singapore and the region, you are skilled at building strategic partnerships and managing high-level relationships with government, business, and educational institutions. With cultural fluency, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of the regional landscape, you will navigate international networks and inspire support for the institution’s mission.

Key Responsibilities include:

1. Lead the Strategy and Execution of a Major Fundraising Campaign: Spearhead the planning, development, and delivery of a multi-year fundraising campaign, aligning with the institution’s strategic goals. Collaborate with senior leadership, academic departments, and key stakeholders to define campaign priorities and ensure cross-functional coordination.
2. Oversee Campaign Operations and Infrastructure: Ensure the effective management of all campaign operations, including donor pipeline development, data analytics, reporting systems, and campaign infrastructure. Leverage data-driven insights to guide decision-making and optimize fundraising outcomes.
3. Build and Lead a High-Performing Advancement Team: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of fundraising and alumni relations professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth. Set clear performance goals and support professional development.
4. Cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy: Inspire and promote a strong culture of giving throughout the institution and its wider community. Build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and partners to enhance philanthropic support and long-term engagement.
5. Ensure Operational Excellence and Compliance: Uphold best practices in fundraising ethics, financial stewardship, and donor relations. Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and institutional policies, and ensure sound governance of advancement operations.
6. Engage and Support Campaign Committees and Volunteers: Identify, recruit, and work closely with campaign leadership, volunteers, and advisory committees. Provide strategic guidance and tools to empower them in advancing campaign goals.
7. Develop and Oversee Budgets and Donor Portfolios: Manage campaign-related budgets, monitor fundraising performance, and oversee the development of personalized engagement strategies for major donors and prospects to maximize giving potential.
8. Enhance Alumni Engagement and Communications: Drive innovative and impactful alumni engagement strategies, events, and communications that strengthen affinity and foster long-term relationships. Align alumni initiatives with the broader goals of the campaign and the institution.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• A good undergraduate degree is essential; a postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as communications, business, nonprofit management, or education is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of at least 10 years in senior leadership roles within Advancement, Development, Fundraising, or Alumni Relations, preferably in mission-driven organisations or educational institutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale fundraising campaigns and managing high-performing teams, with responsibility for strategy, donor engagement, and operational delivery.
• While prior experience in Asia is preferred, we welcome applications from suitably qualified international candidates who bring strong functional expertise and a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in diverse, cross-cultural environments.

Skills, Qualities and Competencies

• Passionate about education and community impact, with a genuine belief in the transformative power of philanthropy and relationship-building.
• Culturally intelligent and adept at building trust across diverse communities, demonstrating empathy, sensitivity, and inclusivity in all interactions.
• A strategic thinker and inspiring leader with the ability to build, lead, and motivate cross-functional teams toward ambitious goals.
• A collaborative team player who is open-minded and receptive to diverse perspectives, with a strong commitment to inclusive decision-making and mutual respect.
• High personal integrity, emotional intelligence, and professionalism; someone who leads with authenticity, humility, and confidence.
• Skilled at navigating complex organisational environments and balancing people-centered leadership with the need for effective systems, governance, and accountability.
• Strong financial and data literacy, with the ability to interpret donor trends, campaign metrics, and fundraising performance indicators.
• In-depth understanding of compliance, donor stewardship, data privacy, and engagement with legal and regulatory bodies.
• Able to engage confidently with senior stakeholders, including board members, institutional partners, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, inspire, and resolve conflict constructively.
• Visionary and pragmatic, contributing meaningfully to strategic discussions and long-term planning at the institutional level.

How to apply

Interested applicants are requested to apply with their updated resume with a cover note summarising their relevant experience and motivation for this position to Korn Ferry by 15 May 2025.

Korn Ferry will contact candidates most relevant to the role requirements before end May to discuss their application further. The final shortlist of candidates will interview with UWCSEA directly between end May to early June 2025.

All applications will be treated with strictest confidence.