Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

University of Northwestern - St. Paul; Minnesota; On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Northwestern – St. Paul seeks a Chief Institutional Advancement Officer to lead the institution's comprehensive advancement and fundraising initiatives.

You will set strategic direction for philanthropy, engagement, government relations, and external communications to advance the mission. As a member of the executive leadership team, you will build a high‑performing advancement organization, cultivate donor and partner relationships, and align priorities with sustainable growth and

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership for advancement and fundraising.
• Donor engagement and partnerships development.
• Capital campaign planning and management.
• Advancement operations, stewardship, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the institution's advancement enterprise and fundraising growth.
• Lead transformational philanthropic partnerships and donor engagement across stakeholders.
• Direct capital and special campaigns to expand philanthropic support and revenue.
• Ensure excellence in advancement operations, stewardship, and accountability.

Job description

Title: Chief Institutional Advancement Officer
VP Area: President
Department: Office of the President
Position Compensation: $145,000 - $155,000 / year
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:
The Chief Institutional Advancement Officer is a member of Northwestern’s executive leadership team and leads the institution’s comprehensive advancement enterprise efforts, providing strategic vision and direction to advance the mission through philanthropy, constituent engagement, government and community relations, strategic partnerships, and external communications. This role fosters a culture of philanthropy, strengthens relationships with key stakeholders, expands philanthropic support, enhances institutional visibility and reputation, and ensures alignment between strategic priorities and external messaging. As the institution’s chief advancement strategist and lead fundraiser, the Chief Institutional Advancement Officer partners with leadership and external constituents to support organizational sustainability, mission impact, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Advancement and Fundraising Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for Northwestern's advancement enterprise, developing and executing integrated fundraising and engagement strategies that advance institutional priorities and drive sustainable philanthropic growth.
• Lead the development of transformational philanthropic partnerships and cultivate a culture of philanthropy that strengthens engagement among donors, alumni, churches, foundations, corporations, and other key constituents.
• Direct comprehensive, capital, and special campaign strategies, ensuring the growth of philanthropic support, expansion of donor engagement, and achievement of long-term revenue objectives.
• Ensure organizational excellence in advancement operations, stewardship, and performance management through effective systems, accountability measures, and fundraising practices.

Public Engagement

• Lead Northwestern's external relations and public engagement strategy, strengthening institutional reputation, visibility, and influence among key stakeholder groups.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships and relationships with government leaders, community organizations, alumni, donors, churches, corporations, and other external constituencies that advance the University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a senior ambassador for the University, representing the President and executive leadership in select external engagements, partnerships, and public-facing initiatives at the local, state and national levels.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the institutional advancement function, fostering a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, accountability, Christ-centered leadership, and exceptional service.
• Build and sustain a high-performing advancement organization through effective leadership, organizational design, talent development, and operational excellence.
• Ensure alignment between advancement strategies, institutional priorities, financial sustainability, and enterprise-wide objectives through partnership with executive leadership.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, executive leadership, and Board on philanthropy, constituent engagement, external relations, emerging trends, and opportunities that support institutional growth and impact.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with University of Northwestern – St. Paul to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Northwestern's Benefits Overview