Engagement , Vice President for Principal Giving , three inaugural Chief Development Officers (Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, and Dedman School of Law), and a Director of Prospect Management and Research .
Reporting to SVP Grumhaus early in her tenure, the Vice President for Development and Engagement and Vice President for Principal Giving are newly conceptualized leadership positions that will help shape the future of philanthropy at SMU. These strategic leaders will expand the university’s fundraising capacity, build high-performing teams, strengthen donor engagement, and advance transformational philanthropic support in preparation for SMU’s next era of campaign and institutional growth.
SMU also seeks inaugural Chief Development Officers for the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, and Dedman School of Law. Serving as strategic partners to their respective deans and reporting centrally to Vice President for Schools and Unit Development Paula Voyles Jewell, these leaders will establish and lead comprehensive fundraising programs for some of SMU’s most prominent academic units, helping to deepen donor engagement and accelerate philanthropic investment in academic excellence.
The university also seeks a Director of Prospect Management and Research to lead a growing team responsible for prospect development, portfolio strategy, fundraising analytics, and principal gift pipeline management. Reporting to Vice President for Development Services Chris Kollar, this leader will serve as a strategic partner to advancement leadership while helping position SMU for unprecedented fundraising success.
Together, these leaders will play pivotal roles in strengthening fundraising strategy, donor engagement, data analytics, and campaign readiness as the university builds upon the success of its recently completed SMU Ignited campaign which catalyzed more than $1.65 billion in philanthropic support. These opportunities are ideal for entrepreneurial advancement professionals who are energized by the chance to build, lead, and innovative within a high-momentum institution with ambitious aspirations and significant untapped philanthropic potential.
Southern Methodist University has retained Jack Gorman of the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to conduct this important recruitment.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website:
Southern Methodist University Advancement Leadership Positions
Jack Gorman, Partner
Grace Zakim, Managing Associate
Nicole Poe, Managing Associate
Lisa Clayton, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
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