Vice President, Development and Engagement

Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks a deeply seasoned, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as Vice President for Development and Engagement (VPDE). Reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Development and External Affairs, Shontel Grumhaus, early in her tenure, the VPDE will help shape the future of philanthropy and constituent engagement at one of the nation's leading private research universities.

Southern Methodist University is experiencing a period of extraordinary momentum and transformation. Under the leadership of President Jay Hartzell and Senior Vice President Grumhaus, the university is dramatically elevating and investing in its advancement enterprise. As SMU prepares for its next chapter of strategic and campaign planning and philanthropic growth, leadership has prioritized strategic investments in talent, infrastructure, and organizational capacity in Development and External Affairs (DEA) that will position the university for unprecedented and sustainable fundraising growth.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a fundraising executive to build upon SMU's momentum and advance a comprehensive development and engagement enterprise that strengthens lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and other philanthropic partners. The VPDE will lead efforts to create a seamless pathway from engagement to annual, major, planned, and principal giving while inspiring a culture of philanthropy that advances the university's most ambitious priorities.

As a key member of the senior advancement leadership team, the VPDE will contribute to institutional strategy while serving as a trusted advisor and partner to university leadership, academic leaders, volunteers, and donors. The successful candidate will bring the vision, credibility, and fundraising expertise necessary to expand philanthropic support, deepen constituent engagement, and position SMU for continued growth and distinction.

As a member of a collaborative and evolving team, the VPDE will provide leadership for a broad portfolio encompassing parent engagement, donor engagement, leadership annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, gift planning, regional major gifts, and family philanthropy and engagement. In partnership with colleagues across the university, the VPDE will develop integrated strategies that strengthen donor participation, elevate engagement, and generate transformational philanthropic support. In total, the VPDE will oversee a team of 18 development and engagement professionals, including four to six direct reports.

The VPDE will also maintain an active portfolio of principal and major gift prospects, personally cultivating and securing significant philanthropic investments that advance SMU's highest priorities. By modeling fundraising excellence and fostering collaboration across the advancement enterprise, the VPDE will help create an environment where innovation, accountability, and ambitious fundraising goals can thrive.

The successful candidate will be an experienced advancement leader with a record of success building high-performing fundraising organizations and securing significant philanthropic support. Experience overseeing multiple fundraising functions and leading senior advancement professionals will be essential. In addition, the ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with strong execution skills and possess the ability to engage effectively with donors, volunteers, academic leaders, trustees, and colleagues across a complex institution. Beyond professional accomplishments, SMU seeks a leader who is collaborative, intellectually curious, entrepreneurial, and committed to building authentic relationships across a broad community of stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring the judgment, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence required to lead effectively at the highest levels of the institution.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim and Lisa Clayton.

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.