Chief operations officer Jobs in Lowell, MA

Job no : 529531

Position type : Staff Full Time

Benefit Status : Benefited-Non-Union

Campus : UMass Lowell

Department : Development

Salary : Anticipate salary not to exceed $265,000-see posting section for details

Applications Open : Jan 29 2026

Applications Close : Open until filled

General Summary of Position :

The Deputy Chief Advancement Officer is responsible for managing the major gift, annual giving and corporate philanthropy efforts of the university, while managing a portfolio of principle gift prospects. As part of the University Advancement leadership team, will work with other senior leaders to achieve fundraising goals and maximize the level of support for the University. This person will serve as the senior manager for the Vice Chancellor.

1. Directly manage the major gift, annual giving and corporate philanthropy efforts of the Advancement division. Work with the Vice Chancellor and frontline fundraisers to create and implement a strategy around annual and major gift fundraising programs, as well as corporate and planned giving opportunities. Partner with Senior Cabinet members, deans, faculty and volunteers in the fundraising process. Supervise Development Directors, Major Gift Officers, Corporate Relations and the Annual Giving team.

2. Manage a nominal portfolio of high-level prospects and donors. Work with the Vice Chancellor on strategies for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding these individuals. Partner with senior university leaders on cultivation and solicitation.

3. Work in conjunction with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement & Global Engagement to oversee the strategic and technical aspects of the university’s fundraising and engagement direction and help lead its comprehensive fundraising campaign. Oversee the day-to-day fundraising operations and serve as a liaison to various external campaign consultants and third-party providers. Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to create a plan for use of the university’s senior leadership in campaign efforts. Monitor campaign progress and identify opportunities and challenges. Assist the Vice Chancellor in the oversight of the Chancellors Advisory Council and any related volunteer fundraising groups. Communicate effectively with the Vice Chancellor, Advancement leadership team, Deans and other university officials to update them on the status of the campaign. Serve as a member of the Advancement Senior Leadership Team.

4. Other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor.

Minimum Qualifications (Required) :

• Bachelor’s degree required, masters preferred from a recognized college or university.
• Minimum of ten years relevant experience which includes a proven track record in both major gift fundraising and the management of a frontline fundraising team, preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to motivate, engage and work with prospects and volunteers, university leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff or similar constituencies.
• Top-notch relationship building skills and internal organizational skills is a must.
• Experience in higher education and managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications :

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This is a full-time benefited non-union, professional position in grade E-3 . Anticipate salary not to exceed $265,000 with formal range minimum of $200,000, 25th quartile of $225,000 and midpoint of $250,000.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.

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