Director of Campaign Initiatives & Strategic Support to the CPO

Job Summary

University Advancement is seeking a dynamic professional responsible for articulating, coordinating, and implementing the planning, management, and execution initiatives supporting the next comprehensive fundraising campaign benefiting the University of Utah and will also provide strategic assistance to and support for the Chief Philanthropy Officer. The role will strategically assist advancement leadership in the planning, organizing, implementation, and management activities critical to the campaign's stages and overall success. The position will also be responsible for the operational management and coordination of the campaign through its life cycle. Works collaboratively with and under the supervision of the Chief Philanthropy Officer in University Advancement and collaborates with the Chief Donor Relations Officer on select matters tied to campaign communication, volunteer management, and donor relations matters. Position will additionally collaborate with and serves as a conduit to a wide audience of University Advancement staff, institutional leadership, key campaign volunteers and donors, external counsel, and others critical to the health and success of both this and future comprehensive campaigns.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace University Advancement's stated core values - belonging, collaboration, empowerment, and integrity - and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions, efforts, and activities.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the coordination and execution of both preliminary and ongoing campaign planning exercises, meetings, analysis, reporting, and studies for University Advancement, including internal readiness and operational assessments, external feasibility review, and the articulation and oversight of a comprehensive campaign planning timeline, operational plan, and milestone achievement.
• Works closely with the Chief Philanthropy and Chief Donor Relations Officers, along with the Vice President of Advancement in developing, refining, and implementing appropriate campaign phases, plans, and procedures consistent with the fundraising goals and timeline established for the campaign. Assists in building support for campaign initiatives with institutional leadership, volunteer leaders, University Advancement staff and others as needed.
• Assists advancement leadership and multiple internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate, with the development, testing, refinement, and use of a comprehensive case for philanthropic support designed to inspire and promote donor engagement while highlighting the key campaign goals established by the institution.
• Assists with the tracking of fundraising progress, monitoring campaign performance, and reporting of campaign achievements. Works in tandem with Advancement Services, Prospect Management, Marketing, Communications, and Donor Relations, and other University Advancement staff to ensure appropriate progress towards campaign milestones. Helps coordinate and support the development of appropriate campaign-related materials and processes designed to support the campaign effort over its duration and ensures a seamless transition to both future comprehensive campaigns as well as to future focused micro-campaigns.
• Develops a thorough understanding of CASE Global Reporting Standards and works with Advancement Services to establish and ensure adherence to gift counting procedures, campaign reporting standards, and best practices.
• Proactively and strategically supports and provides assistance to the Chief Philanthropy Officer by either guiding or leading key projects, plans, special initiatives, correspondence, reporting, follow-up, and communications instrumental to achieving success on multiple advancement fronts. Similarly, contributes to the successful achievement of the broad campaign.
• May coordinate with the Chief Donor Relations Officer and others in support for and staffing of the volunteer campaign leadership structure, including but not limited to the initial Campaign Organizing Committee and the eventual Campaign Steering Committee, as necessary or appropriate.

Other duties as assigned by the CPO in support of University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Masters degree in Business Administration, or related area preferred.

Preferences

Seven to ten years of experience in various aspects of higher education fundraising, advancement operations, or experience with organizing, planning, or managing advancement programs within an institution of higher education, and preferably one with an academic medical center. Successful experience planning for or working in a comprehensive campaign environment is preferred.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44663B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

Department: 00289 - Development

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 120000 to 137000

Close Date: 7/6/2026

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200588

Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency

jeid-ed97db8926295f4dae5b98dc0290498f