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Chief Advancement Officer, University Libraries and the Entertainment Technology Center

( pennsylvania | On-site)

About the Organization

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Carnegie Mellon University in its search for a Chief Advancement Officer, University Libraries and the Entertainment Technology Center. The Chief Advancement Officer will help lead the effort to develop the philanthropic support that will enable CMU and its academic units to fulfill their potential and continue their ascent. Partnering closely with the Dean, the Chief Advancement Officer will help set a strategic advancement vision for the University Libraries, the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC), IDeATe, and CMU’s sustainability programs with oversight of a broad range of unit-level advancement functions encompassing major gifts, donor relations, annual giving, events, alumni and constituent engagement, and management of the unit’s advisory board. The Chief Advancement Officer also will serve as a member of the Dean’s leadership team. The Chief Advancement Officer will be a senior leader within the Division of University Advancement and serve as a member of the CMU Advancement Leadership Council.

Carnegie Mellon University is a global, research-intensive university with more than 14,000 students, more than 120,000 alumni, and approximately 5,000 faculty and staff. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked CMU #24 among national universities, #4 in terms of Most Innovative Schools, and in 2024, Times Higher Education World University ranked CMU as #24 among global research universities in the world. Many of CMU’s seven schools and colleges and their departments maintain top national and international rankings in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, drama, and music, among others. CMU is also one of a small number of academic institutions in the nation boasting a fully-fledged Federally Funded Research and Development Center, the Software Engineering Institute. CMU’s confluence of scholarly excellence, robust federal and industry interface, and heritage of innovation has consistently placed it among the world’s most dynamic and impactful research institutions.

With the explosion of new sources of data and new ways for scientific information to be accessed, curated, and shared, libraries have emerged as a hub for collaborative, technology-forward, and inspiring experiences. Investment in the library is part of the University’s Strategic Plan 2025, which calls for the creation of “a 21st century library that serves as a cornerstone of world-class research and scholarship.” In a world where digital is becoming the default format for information, the library remains a vital presence on campus, sustaining serious scholarship, and providing opportunities for interactive research and study environments. With a focus on technology and cross disciplinary learning and research, the CMU University Libraries are redefining the role of libraries everywhere.

Carnegie Mellon University is a richly varied community, united in the pursuit of excellence with a wealth of perspectives, identities, backgrounds, and cultures. CMU is committed to fostering an environment where all members of the community have a sense of belonging. This commitment drives its pursuit of creating a space where every voice can be heard. The university seeks to cultivate diverse populations and perspectives and promote equity and inclusion. Its devotion to these ideals springs from a core belief in the power of education to be a transformative and enriching force for every person, irrespective of their background, identity, or life circumstances. Inclusion and belonging are intricately interwoven into the very essence of the university, helping to shape its values, policies, and practices. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not only central to the university's ethos but also indispensable to its pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.

Job Description

The Chief Advancement Officer will manage the advancement staff assigned to their academic unit and will carry a portfolio of the unit’s top prospects, executing cultivation and solicitation strategies and securing major, leadership, and principal gifts. They also will be responsible for identifying, refining, and articulating their unit’s fundraising needs, communicating those needs to internal and external audiences, and generating excitement for the Dean's top priorities while ensuring that frontline fundraisers across the university are equipped to advocate for their vision.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position. A master’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience is preferred. At least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience is required for this position; experience leading and supervising teams for at least three to five years is preferred. Experience in a campaign environment is desirable. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Carnegie Mellon University as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran and offers a diverse environment with a flexible benefits package, including a generous retirement plan, tuition remission, and paid time off policy, as well as many professional development, health, and wellness opportunities. A background check is required.

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Kim Farr at kimfarr@aspenleadershipgroup.com.