Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

University of Northwestern - St. Paul; Saint Paul (MN); 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 fundraising and external relations at the executive level.

This role drives strategies across philanthropy, engagement, government relations, and communications to sustain mission impact. The position requires at least ten years in advancement leadership, a track record of major gifts, and ability to collaborate with boards and senior leaders within a faith‑based higher education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, communications, nonprofit and/or large ministry leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful progressive supervisory and leadership experience.
• Experience working with governing boards, executive leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern's mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Northwestern's advancement enterprise, developing and executing integrated fundraising and engagement strategies.
• Lead transformational philanthropic partnerships and cultivate a culture of philanthropy among donors, alumni, churches, foundations, and other constituents.
• Direct comprehensive, capital, and special campaign strategies to grow philanthropic support and donor engagement.
• Ensure excellence in advancement operations, stewardship, and performance management through systems and accountability.

Skills

Relationship Building

Written & Verbal Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Donor Stewardship

Strategic Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, communications, nonprofit and/or large ministry leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful progressive supervisory and leadership experience.
• Experience working with governing boards, executive leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern's mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to Have

• Master's degree.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar professional credential.
• Five (5) or more years of leadership experience within Christian organizations, ministries, higher education, or nonprofit institutions.
• Experience leading comprehensive campaigns and transformational gift initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic vision and executive leadership
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills
• Major gift fundraising and philanthropic expertise
• Strong business acumen and organizational stewardship
• Executive presence and influence
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborative and servant-minded leadership
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness
• Commitment to mission-driven leadership and organizational values

Key Skills

• Relationship Building & Management: Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills with a proven ability to develop, influence, and sustain strategic partnerships across diverse constituencies. Demonstrated success moving relationships from initial engagement to long-term commitment, philanthropic investment, and meaningful institutional impact.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills including strong writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication. Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to diverse, non-financial audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain healthy internal and external relationships. Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, donors, and board members.
• Financial & Advancement Stewardship: Strategic understanding of fundraising, planned giving, donor stewardship, financial management, and related legal, regulatory, tax, and ethical requirements. Demonstrated ability to ensure responsible stewardship of philanthropic and institutional resources while advancing organizational priorities and maintaining compliance with applicable standards.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive info appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed as well as necessary travel
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

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.

https://www.unwsp.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Benefits-Overview-12.18.25.pdf