Clemson University · 4 hours ago
Chief Executive Officer - Clemson University Foundation
Clemson, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveClemson University is seeking a Chief Executive Officer for the Clemson University Foundation. The CEO will lead the Foundation and its affiliated entities, focusing on growing the endowment, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing operations while fostering a collaborative philanthropic environment.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Provide leadership across CUF, CUREF, and CULSF to ensure alignment with advancement priorities and foster thoughtful, sustainable growth of the Foundation
Partner with all Clemson University development leaders to elevate the donor experience and advance philanthropic growth. Work to strengthen alignment, operational excellence, and donor-centered foundation practices while championing the Order of the Oak volunteer group and the culture of lifetime giving it represents
Serve as a key leader within the Advancement Leadership Team to shape enterprise-wide priorities, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and ensure integration of CUF strategy with Clemson’s philanthropic goals
Support effective Board of Directors leadership by preparing key materials, facilitating committee work, and ensuring directors have clear, timely information for decision-making
Hire, develop, and lead Foundation staff to foster a high-performing, service-oriented culture grounded in clarity, accountability, and collaboration
Provide strategic oversight of the Foundation’s investment portfolio and real estate and land assets, including acquisition, development, stewardship, and disposition strategies to drive long-term growth and support Clemson University’s mission and priorities
Collaborate with the Board of Directors and its finance and investment committees to inform and advise on strategy, support prudent investment management, ensure transparent reporting, and enable aligned financial decision-making
Safeguard donor intent and ensure the ethical administration of funds, gifts, and donor-restricted resources through strong policies, oversight, and accountability
Provide strategic direction and executive leadership for the real estate portfolios managed through CUREF and CULSF, ensuring strong governance, risk management, and alignment with Clemson’s long-term priorities
Ensure rigorous compliance with university policies and applicable state and federal regulations and champion a culture of continuous improvement in financial and operational practices
Strengthen internal controls, risk management practices, and financial policies to protect the Foundation’s assets, ensure long-term sustainability, and maintain the trust of donors and stakeholders
Lead the Foundation’s overall operations, including donor gift agreements, property and real estate holdings, and the stewardship and administration of endowment and Foundation funds
Develop and strengthen Technology and human resource systems to support efficient Foundation operations and meet the evolving needs of Advancement
Ensure donor intent, ethical standards, and compliance are upheld in partnership with University Counsel and Advancement
Maintain clear policies, documentation, and communication related to fund establishment and stewardship
Coordinate effectively with the Board of Directors to bring forward policies, program changes, and recommendations for consideration and approval
Lead strategic planning for the Foundation to ensure long-term alignment, operational excellence, and support for Clemson’s philanthropic priorities
Build and sustain influential, trust-based relationships with university leaders, deans, donors, and key volunteer partners to advance strategic philanthropic priorities and strengthen the Foundation’s impact
Represent the Foundation in key university settings to provide clarity, partnership, and alignment with campus priorities
Foster strong working relationships between the Board of Directors, university partners, IPTAY, Clemson Alumni Association and Advancement leadership to support a shared vision for Clemson’s philanthropic success
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
Leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, foundation administration, or advancement services
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with fundraising teams, boards, and senior leaders
Strong understanding of foundation governance, fiduciary responsibility, and stewardship
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Preferred
Advanced degree (e.g. MPA, MBA, JD, Nonprofit Management)
Experience in university advancement or with higher education foundations
Familiarity with endowment stewardship and donor intent management
Experience working with volunteer boards
Company
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant and sea-grant research university.
Founded in 1889
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Clemson University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (103)
2024 (103)
2023 (74)
2022 (60)
2021 (62)
2020 (50)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.14MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Energy Office of ElectricityDensoUS Department of Energy
2024-12-03Grant· $2.47M
2024-10-30Grant
2024-08-20Grant
Leadership Team
M. Karen McCauley
CEO and President Clemson University Foundation
Wil Brasington
Chief Executive Officer, Clemson Alumni Association
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