Director, Advancement Research - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon University is world-renowned as the birthplace of artificial intelligence, and that spirit of innovation is the heartbeat of our University Advancement division. As we enter a transformative era of philanthropy, we are seeking a Director of Advancement Research who will not only lead our research efforts but also serve as a pioneer in integrating AI and emerging technologies into our strategic operations.

The Director will support a modern research program that leverages emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and advanced research platforms to surface donor opportunities, enhance prospect strategy, and improve decision-making across Advancement. The successful candidate will translate complex data into actionable insights that meaningfully support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Designing, developing, and overseeing a proactive, modern prospect research and identification program using modern technologies, artificial intelligence and data analytics that is aligned with institutional and advancement goals.
• Championing the adoption of AI-powered tools, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies to automate prospect identification, uncover new donor patterns, and enhance research productivity.
• Leading and managing the advancement research department, including staff supervision, mentoring, goal setting, and performance management, while ensuring priorities and deadlines are met.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and impact through innovative workflows, new methodologies, new technologies and benchmarking against peer institutions.
• Ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and ethical use of all research data, maintaining strong internal controls for sensitive and confidential information.
• Collaborating closely with advancement leadership, prospect management, and donor services to develop creative approaches for identifying and advancing major gift prospects.
• Overseeing the development, documentation, and ongoing maintenance of research policies, procedures, profiles, and analytical reports that support division-wide strategy.
• Staying current on research resources, industry standards, and ethical guidelines (APRA, CASE, AFP, etc.), and communicate best practices to staff.
• Attending professional training annually with emphasis on emerging trends, AI tools, and technological advancements in prospect research.
• Serving as a key member of the prospect strategy team and contribute to broader division planning, goal-setting, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Performing additional duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and integrity are essential qualities at Carnegie Mellon University. We seek a leader who can engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external partners, who values innovation, emerging technologies, and collaboration, and who is committed to advancing the mission of the university through ethical, data-informed philanthropy.

You should demonstrate:

• Experience in implementing best practices to leverage existing programs and processes for potential efficiencies using technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging trends.
• Innovation and curiosity and the ability to manage the pace of change.
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Excellence in Change Management, ensuring team buy-in and seamless adoption when pivoting to new tools or methodologies.
• Change management skills.
• Ability to understand and translate complex SEC filings such as proxy statements, prospectus, 10K and 8K filings.
• Deep proficiency in all facets of advancement research, including wealth screening, relationship mapping, and philanthropic propensity modeling.
• High emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to navigate high-pressure situations and interact with challenging stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to demonstrate judgment and discretion in dealing with sensitive information and data privacy.
• Refined analytical skills and ability to coordinate, analyze, and synthesize vast amounts of information and present it in a comprehensive and cohesive format.
• Ability to evaluate and implement technology solutions that enhance team performance and operational efficiency.
• Ability to seamlessly integrate these solutions to maximize operational efficiency and team capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience required.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check