Chief Philanthropy Officer

Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte, North Carolina 

Central Piedmont Community College seeks a dynamic, visionary, relationship-driven strategic fundraiser to serve as its next Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation's most respected and forward-thinking community colleges and help shape the future of student success, workforce development, and community prosperity throughout the Charlotte region.  

Reporting relationally to the Vice President of Communications, Advancement & External Engagement, and with a direct line of responsibility to President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, the CPO will serve as the institution's principal fundraising strategist and philanthropic leader. The successful candidate will guide a thriving foundation, engage influential donors and community leaders, and help accelerate an ambitious vision for one of the largest and most impactful colleges in the Carolinas.  

Why Central Piedmont? 

Central Piedmont has spent more than six decades transforming lives through education, workforce development, and community engagement. Today, Central Piedmont serves nearly 60,000 students annually through eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300 programs of study and more than 55 professional pathways to get students real-world ready. The College plays a vital role as the region's primary workforce development partner and a key driver of economic growth.  

Under Dr. Deitemeyer's leadership, Central Piedmont has experienced remarkable momentum. The Central Piedmont Community College Foundation received $21.4 million in FY26, the highest annual fundraising total in Foundation history, including years during comprehensive campaigns.  Foundation assets have grown from approximately $42 million to more than $120 million, annual scholarship support has increased from roughly $1 million to over $5 million, and the College has invested nearly $400 million in facilities and infrastructure to meet the region's evolving workforce needs.  

The institution's strategic plan, Leading Boldly. Forward Thinking. Future Ready., reflects a commitment to innovation, access, partnership, and measurable impact. The next Chief Philanthropy Officer will have the opportunity to build upon this momentum and help position Central Piedmont for even greater success.  

The next Chief Philanthropy Officer will inherit a strong foundation and a highly supportive leadership team while helping to envision and execute the next chapter of philanthropic growth. The role offers the opportunity to lead transformational fundraising initiatives, strengthen relationships with major donors and corporate partners, expand planned giving and endowment support, and prepare for future comprehensive campaign activity.  

The Ideal Leader 

Central Piedmont seeks an accomplished fundraising executive who combines strategic thinking with a genuine passion for educational access and community impact. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader capable of inspiring donors, volunteers, trustees, and colleagues around a compelling vision for the future.  

Successful candidates will bring: 

• A record of securing significant philanthropic investments and cultivating meaningful donor relationships.  Experience leading high-performing advancement or fundraising teams.  The ability to engage effectively with corporate executives, foundation leaders, community stakeholders, and major philanthropists.  Strategic and operational skills necessary to build fundraising programs, manage performance metrics, and drive organizational success.  A commitment to collaboration, innovation, and mission-centered leadership.  

Make a Difference That Lasts 

The CPO role at Central Piedmont is an opportunity to help students transform their lives, strengthen communities, support workforce development, and advance one of the nation's leading community colleges. The successful candidate will join an institution with extraordinary momentum, a compelling mission, and unlimited potential for impact.  

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration. The preferred start date is late 2026. 
 
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter, to:  

CentralPiedmontCPO@buffkinbaker.com 
Ken Carrick, Partner 
Janny DeLoache, Associate Partner 
Buffkin / Baker

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