Job Description

The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (Foundation) is responsible for providing visionary leadership for and executive management of the Foundation.

As a private, nonprofit entity, the Foundation’s mission is to cultivate lifelong relationships and secure private support to advance Montana State University (University). The Foundation successfully utilizes a consolidated model that combines the traditional fundraising foundation and the alumni association.

The President/CEO reports to the Foundation’s Board of Governors; manages a leadership team of direct reports, which are six senior professionals (Vice Presidents) responsible for Development, Engagement, Finance and Accounting, Operations, Communications and Annual Fund, and Data and Information Services; and manages the 60+ employees of the Foundation.

The President/CEO oversees the management of the Foundation’s $232 million endowment, the Foundation’s annual operating budget of approximately $10 million, and two related entities, Montana State University Innovation Campus (MSUIC) and Advanced Technology, Inc. (ATI). The President/CEO oversees development efforts that secure approximately $75 million annually for Montana State University and engagement efforts that host 250 events and engage 16,000 constituents annually.

The President/CEO is expected to provide:

• Strategic leadership.
  • Develop and disseminate deep knowledge of the University, its strategic plan, academic, research and outreach programs, and its student body.
  • Grow a successful, collaborative working partnership with the University’s president and leadership team, ensuring alignment between the Foundation and University on fundraising strategy, priorities, and other issues.
  • Understand the organizational vision and mission and create a strategic framework for the long-term success of the Foundation’s support of the University.
  • Monitor and nimbly adapt to the changing needs of the University and external factors affecting the success of the University.
• Executive management.
  • Achieve financial success by meeting annual fundraising and budget goals, ensuring the Foundation’s financial stability and ability to provide long-term support to the University.
  • Assure the security and accuracy of financial and constituent information.
  • Manage Foundation operations by developing and monitoring priorities and key objectives consistent with the strategic direction of the University and the Foundation.
  • Provide growth and development opportunities for the Foundation leadership team and staff.
  • Understand and manage the business needs of the Foundation, including staffing, systems, and processes.
• Communication and relationship building.
  • Provide direction for building relationships with University stakeholders, including nonprofit affiliates of the University, donors, alumni, friends of the University and state and local government officials through various media, programs, and events to grow participation.
  • Build relationships and coordinate fundraising with nonprofit MSU affiliates such as the Museum of the Rockies, Montana PBS, and the MSU Bobcat Club.
  • Support and participate in comprehensive engagement efforts with donors, alumni, parents and friends of the University.
  • Support 12 Alumni Charter Chapters in Montana and across the U. S. and the Alumni Advocate network that works to keep communities and lawmakers informed about issues important to the University.
• Development and fundraising.
  • Direct fundraising through annual, major, and planned giving and capital campaigns.
  • Potentially, manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects in support of the University’s highest fundraising priorities.
• Board of Governors.
  • Support robust governance and compliance programs.
  • Assure complete and accurate external and internal reporting.
  • Provide an ample pipeline of qualified Board candidates for service to the Foundation and University.
  • Assist the Board Chair in managing the activities of the Board, including developing meeting agendas, clarifying governance issues, planning and executing Board meetings and Board-related communications.
  • Report strategic and business results.

The successful candidate will sustain and enhance the culture of performance-based management and accountability, career development, integrity, respect, and appropriate recognition and will maintain the highest ethical standards when dealing with staff, donors, alumni, and the community.

Special Skills and Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree with an advanced degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive success in a senior management role, preferably in a public university-affiliated foundation and/or alumni association. Experience in both fundraising and alumni engagement is preferred.
• Proven track record of ethical and strategic leadership, collaborative planning and problem-solving, and positive program and personnel management.
• Business acumen, including experience managing and implementing multi-department budgets; understanding of proper nonprofit financial management.
• Senior management experience in the planning and execution of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Executive experience with developing and implementing business strategy.
• Ability to inspire others through strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to form strong relationships evidenced by effective collaboration with the University’s stakeholders, including University leadership, staff, donors, alumni, the community, corporate and Foundation representatives, and other University-related nonprofits.
• Deep understanding of investment practices and endowment management.
• Ability to affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.
• Interest in becoming familiar with Montana’s communities and culture.

Duties and responsibilities are subject to change.

Additional Expectations:

• A willingness to attend Foundation events, including but not limited to large-scale engagement events, homecoming, awards, chapters, target regions and/or smaller donor-centric opportunities
• A willingness to relocate/reside in Bozeman, Montana.
• A willingness to attend University meetings and events, including receptions and athletic events.
• A willingness to travel in-state, regionally, and nationally as required to fulfill job responsibilities.

 

 

The MSU Alumni Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion allow us to better serve our students and communities and are critical to supporting the mission of Montana State University as a land grant institution.

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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