Jan 14th, 2025
University of Alaska System
President, University of Alaska Foundation and Chief Development Officer, University of Alaska
( Alaska | On-site )
Job Description
President, University of Alaska Foundation, and
Chief Development Officer, University of Alaska
Overview
The University of Alaska (UA) Foundation seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as its next president and chief development officer for the University of Alaska system. Based in Alaska, this role offers a unique and exciting opportunity to shape and expand philanthropy across the university system.
The UA Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UA system’s mission, providing essential infrastructure, leadership, overseeing acceptance, and stewardship of philanthropic contributions. The foundation offers strategic guidance and technical expertise in fundraising and development supporting UA's three universities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Dual role position as president of the UA Foundation, reporting to the foundation’s Board of Directors, and as the UA’s chief development officer, reporting to the UA president.
The main responsibilities of the president and chief development officer are:
• Chief executive officer overseeing foundation business and operations.
• Support and collaborate with the universities in their development efforts and implement system-level fundraising priorities.
• Lead/execute strategic planning and alignment with UA development priorities.
• As chief development officer, serve as senior advisor on development to the UA president.
Ideal Candidate
• Collaborative leadership style and highly professional supervisory skills that facilitate the continued development of a high-performing team.
• Inspires and engage authentically with diverse audiences by telling its distinctive stories.
• A high-energy and enthusiastic proven fundraiser who will stimulate a robust culture of philanthropy at the UA.
• Professional knowledge and experience in higher education advancement.
• An executive with business and financial acumen.
• Alaska connections and personal knowledge of Alaska or strong interest in relocating.
• Experience leading an institutionally related foundation and/or working within a university system.
• Fundraising and campaign experience (higher education preferred).
• A strong strategist who is creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, and action oriented.
• Experience working with federal and state legislatures.
Qualifications
• Commensurate experience (at least 10 years) including, but not limited to, successful leadership qualifications in a senior administrative capacity; demonstrated success in fundraising; and/or experience in universities, foundations, and working with endowments.
• Proven ability to develop and inspire a team of accomplished advancement professionals.
• Commitment to and understanding of higher education development and fundraising activities.
• Post-graduate degree or substantial leadership experience preferred.
• (Highly desired) Earned a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Applications and Nominations
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Application review begins January 27, 2025, to ensure consideration, apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on January 26, 2025.
Applications must be submitted through the UA Careers site and must include:
1. Letter of interest addressing how the candidate meets the Search Committee’s qualifications as described in the position profile.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Four professional references with email addresses and phone numbers (references will not be contacted without prior applicant permission).
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Meg Nordale (board chair) at meg@ghemm.com