[Hiring] Executive Director of Advancement @ASU Foundation for a New American University

Role Description

The West Coast represents one of Arizona State University's most significant opportunities for philanthropic growth and broader engagement. ASU has built a growing presence through its academic programs, students and alumni, partnerships, physical locations, and connections to industries shaping the future. The opportunity now is to translate that presence into a more powerful and sustained culture of philanthropy in the region.

ASU Foundation seeks an entrepreneurial, strategic, and accomplished fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Advancement, West Coast. Based in California, the Executive Director will serve as a senior advancement leader for the region, building relationships with philanthropists, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, alumni, and other partners whose interests intersect with the breadth and ambition of ASU.

This is both a frontline fundraising and leadership role. The Executive Director will personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of significant donors and prospects while leading an experienced regional advancement team toward greater focus, collaboration, accountability, and philanthropic results.

For a creative and entrepreneurial advancement leader, this is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of ASU's presence on the West Coast and build a culture of philanthropy matching the scale of the University's ambitions.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of successful development and related experience, preferably in higher education or another complex, mission-driven environment.
• Bachelor's degree required and advanced degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing seven-figure gifts; experience with larger principal or transformational gifts strongly valued.
• Proven ability to raise donor sights, articulate ambitious ideas, and translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Deep knowledge of California and the West Coast philanthropic and business landscape, with established relationships and networks.
• Experience building relationships with high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and other sophisticated external constituents.
• Demonstrated management experience, including the ability to lead experienced professionals, set direction, coach performance, and create accountability.
• Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to establish priorities and maintain focus amid numerous initiatives, constituencies, and opportunities.
• Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurial orientation.
• Highly collaborative style and demonstrated ability to build trust and work across organizational boundaries.
• Executive presence, maturity, integrity, discretion, and the ability to represent ASU effectively with senior institutional and external leaders.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to develop sophisticated proposals and related donor materials.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce or comparable donor/prospect management systems.
• An advocate's belief in the vision of ASU as a New American University and enthusiasm for the University's Charter and mission.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout the West Coast and to Arizona and to work a flexible schedule when required.

Requirements

• Design and lead a comprehensive advancement strategy for California and the broader West Coast.
• Build ASUF's philanthropic network across the region.
• Apply knowledge of the region to differentiate among markets.
• Develop a seamless and collaborative approach linking various ASU units.
• Personally manage a significant portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Partner with constituent and central development officers, academic leaders, faculty, and other colleagues.
• Develop effective cultivation, solicitation, proposal, and stewardship strategies.
• Meet ambitious personal and regional fundraising goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop an experienced West Coast advancement team.
• Create an environment that encourages collaboration, initiative, sound judgment, and disciplined execution.
• Assess the structure and capacity of the West Coast advancement team over time.
• Serve as a senior advancement partner and emissary for ASU across the West Coast.
• Build trusted relationships with ASU leadership.
• Navigate competing ideas and opportunities with discernment.
• Bring together the right university leaders, faculty, programs, and advancement partners.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution.
• Parental leave.
• 22 days of vacation time.
• 11 holidays, including your birthday.
• Cell phone reimbursement.
• Significant tuition reductions.
• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners.