Executive Director, International Development - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh seeks an Executive Director for International Development to lead global fundraising strategy and donor engagement across key markets. This role reports to the Associate VP for Development, oversees a team, and partners with university leadership to drive major gifts and strategic initiatives, leveraging AI analytics to sharpen prospecting.

The successful candidate will have seven+ years in development, with international fundraising and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience; master’s degree preferred.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in development, with at least five in higher education fundraising.
• Proven international fundraising experience and track record of six-figure or greater gifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a personal portfolio of ~125 high-net-worth donors internationally.
• Travel four to six international trips annually to engage donors, prospects, volunteers, and university partners.
• Develop and execute comprehensive international fundraising strategies with university leadership.
• Lead implementation of market-based philanthropy strategies and region-specific engagement plans.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and drive measurable fundraising outcomes.
• Oversee a team of development officers and support staff; mentor and evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with alumni engagement to align market strategies with donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and predictive analytics to enhance prospect identification and performance.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor engagement

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Data analytics tools

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Executive Director, International Development

Carnegie Mellon University is world-renowned as the birthplace of artificial intelligence, and that spirit of innovation is the heartbeat of our University Advancement division. As we enter a transformative era of philanthropy, we are seeking an Executive Director, International Development to join our team. The Executive Director for International Development reports to the Associate Vice President for Development and provides strategic leadership for Carnegie Mellon University's international philanthropic engagement efforts, advancing the institution's highest fundraising priorities across key global markets.

Core responsibilities

• Leading the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a personal portfolio of approximately 125 high-net-worth donors and prospective donors with a rated capacity of $250,000 or more in key strategic international regions.
• To support these efforts, the Executive Director is expected to travel extensively, including four to six international trips annually, to engage donors, prospects, volunteers, and university partners in key global markets.
• Working closely with the Associate Vice President for Development, University Advancement leadership, academic leaders, deans, faculty, volunteers, and university leadership, to develop and execute comprehensive international fundraising strategies that strengthen donor engagement, expand philanthropic investment, and support the university's strategic objectives.
• Leading the implementation of CMU's international fundraising and market-based philanthropy strategies, identifying emerging opportunities, developing compelling philanthropic priorities and proposals, and creating region-specific engagement plans that deepen relationships and increase giving in priority markets outside the United States.
• Managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, driving measurable annual fundraising outcomes.
• Leading a team of development officers and support staff dedicated to international philanthropic engagement, this role oversees talent management, performance evaluation, and team motivation.
• Partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Constituent Engagement to develop integrated market strategies that connect alumni engagement activities with prospect identification, cultivation, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, ultimately driving philanthropic revenue growth in key international regions.
• Leveraging AI-enabled tools, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies to enhance prospect identification, portfolio management, donor engagement, travel planning, and fundraising performance, ensuring an innovative, data-informed approach to international development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and executing fundraising strategies across diverse international markets and cultures, with demonstrated success navigating varying philanthropic traditions, business practices, regulatory environments, and relationship-building norms.
• A high degree of cultural intelligence, adaptability, diplomacy, and global perspective.
• Proven ability to build and sustain productive relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, senior university leaders, faculty, alumni, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and management experience, including supervising, mentoring, and developing fundraising professionals and support staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Experience establishing fundraising goals, managing prospect portfolios, tracking performance metrics, and driving measurable philanthropic results.
• Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, donor lifecycle management, prospect strategy development, and moves management best practices.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align fundraising priorities with institutional objectives and advance organizational goals.
• Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively articulate Carnegie Mellon's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and case for philanthropic support to diverse audiences.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience; master’s degree preferred. At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in development, with at least five of those years in higher education fundraising. Proven experience in international fundraising, with a track record of securing six-figure or greater gifts. A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

Successful completion of a pre-employment background check Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Valid state driver's license. Must complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis and complete the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving training program once every three years.

Additional Information

Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Travel Requirements

Regular domestic and international travel is required for this role, including approximately four to six international trips annually outside the Pittsburgh region, to engage donors, prospective donors, volunteers, and university partners.

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

Location and Position Details

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Job Function: Major Gifts
• Position Type: Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time
• Pay Basis: Salary

Equal Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? If your heart is in your work, come work with us.

Prospective Employee Disclosures

For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.