Chief Development Officer

The Chief Development Officers will serve as the senior advancement leaders across three respective academic units: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Cox School of Business, and the Dedman School of Law. They will set the strategic direction for development efforts, manage and grow major gifts portfolios, and engage key constituents in fundraising efforts.

What You Will Do

The CDOs will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors, and cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts through strategic engagement, proposal development, and collaborative donor strategies with university leadership and the dean.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The successful candidates will be accomplished fundraisers and collaborative leaders who bring strategic vision, intellectual curiosity, and a record of building strong partnerships across complex organizations. They will be energized by the opportunity to help shape a growing advancement enterprise, serve as trusted advisors to academic leadership, and play defining roles in the next chapter of philanthropic success at Southern Methodist University.

Requirements

• A minimum of ten years of professional fundraising experience
• At least five years of management experience
• Depth of knowledge of best practices in all key areas of development and donor engagement strategies
• Demonstrated campaign experience
• A proven track record of success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts at the six- and seven-figure levels and above
• Proven leadership and solid volunteer and staff management skills
• Exemplary interpersonal communication skills
• The credibility, emotional maturity, authenticity, and sound judgment required to effectively engage and leverage university and academic leadership and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key prospects and donors

Benefits

• Benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development