For University Advancement Leaders
Your next chapter deserves the same rigor as your last.
We work with a limited number of accomplished advancement professionals at any time — quietly, confidentially, and often years before a search ever becomes public. If you’re building toward what’s next, this is where that conversation starts.
Why Executives Work With Us
A search partner built around discretion, not volume.
Absolute Confidentiality
We never contact your current employer, and we never share your name without your permission. You decide when — and if — a conversation becomes something more.
A Relationship, Not a Transaction
Most people in our network aren’t actively looking. We stay in touch, share market perspective, and reach out only when there’s a genuine fit — sometimes years later.
Built by Advancement Professionals
Our team has led foundations, run campaigns, and managed major gift portfolios. We understand the role because we’ve held it.
Concierge Attention
We work with a limited number of candidates at a time, so every conversation gets real attention — never a form-letter response.
Behavioral Science, Not Guesswork
Our process, led by an industrial psychologist, is built to find the right fit for you — not just for the institution writing the check.
Coaching That Continues
Every search we lead includes structured coaching for the executive, not just the institution — through onboarding and beyond.
Current Openings
Roles we’re actively searching for.
These are the searches we can share publicly today. Many of our engagements are confidential and never posted here at all — joining our network is the only way to be considered for those.
Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts and Strategic Philanthropy
Lead the principal giving strategy while overseeing principal, planned giving, and corporate & foundations relations teams as they prepare for a future campaign.
Inquire Confidentially →Chief Development Officer
Build and lead a principal gifts program for a growing academic health system. Ideal for a senior gift officer ready for their first CDO seat.
Inquire Confidentially →Associate Vice President for Advancement
Lead mulitple units through a major mulit-billion dollar comprehensive campaign.
Inquire Confidentially →National Philanthropic Partnership Officer
Lead the national development efforts in building and growing partnerships with national foundations and major donors.
Inquire Confidentially →Don’t See the Right Fit?
Join our network and we’ll reach out directly to discuss current opportunities.
Join the Network →Where Our Searches Have Led
Recent placements across the country.
Join Our Executive Network
The best moves are made quietly.
Tell us a little about yourself. A member of our team — not an algorithm — will personally follow up. If now isn’t the right time, that’s alright too; we’re happy to simply be a resource for whenever it is.
Career Fit Assessment
Not sure where you fit in advancement?
Our free career assessment helps advancement professionals discover which role fits their personality, working style, and strengths — from Major Gifts to Prospect Research to Alumni Relations. Takes 3 to 8 minutes and uses behavioral science, not guesswork.
Take the AssessmentSituational questions that pinpoint your best-fit role in under 3 minutes.
Start nowA deeper assessment with an AI-generated personalized career narrative.
Start nowMajor Gifts, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Prospect Research, and more.
Explore rolesBuilt by Triad Academic Search to help advancement professionals find their best fit.
Learn more