Boise State University
Chief Executive Officer
Boise State University Foundation
Bryant Group is partnering with Boise State University Foundation to recruit the Chief Executive Officer.
Boise State University Foundation (BSUF) is seeking a dynamic, visionary and highly strategic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Foundation’s mission and operations. This key executive role will report directly to the Board of Directors and will have comprehensive oversight of all Foundation functions, including fundraising, donor engagement, financial management and team development. The CEO will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Foundation and will serve as a key advisor to the University leadership, ensuring alignment between the Foundation’s strategic goals and Boise State University's broader mission.
The CEO will hold primary responsibility for driving significant philanthropic efforts, overseeing multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns, and establishing sustainable funding models that fuel the University's growth and academic excellence. The CEO will manage all aspects of financial stewardship, including treasury functions, budgetary control and asset management to ensure the responsible and effective use of BSUF resources. Additionally, the CEO will develop, implement and maintain an integrated strategy for alumni engagement and donor relations, ensuring that all stakeholders are deeply connected to Boise State’s mission and vision.
In this executive role, the CEO will lead the Foundation’s senior leadership team, fostering a high-performance culture and championing initiatives that inspire and motivate staff to deliver exceptional results. A key element of the position will be the ability to build strategic partnerships across the University, philanthropic community and external stakeholders, ensuring that all efforts are harmonized to advance Boise State’s academic, research and community outreach goals.
The CEO will also be responsible for driving innovative fundraising strategies, engaging with major donors and partners and increasing private support through a mix of principal gift fundraising and innovative programs. The role demands an individual who can think long-term, manage complex financial portfolios and lead a multifaceted development organization while ensuring exceptional governance, compliance and transparency. As the public face of the Foundation, the CEO will also serve as a key advocate and spokesperson for Boise State, working closely with the President’s Cabinet to enhance the institution's reputation and raise awareness of its initiatives and successes.
Qualifications:
- A proven leader with at least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a large, complex advancement organization or similar environment, with a demonstrated track record of successfully growing revenue and managing major fundraising initiatives.
- Experience in building, scaling and leading high-performing teams that align with a mission-driven organization.
- Strong expertise in principal gift fundraising, investment and asset management, and strategic board management.
- A robust understanding of higher education advancement, philanthropic trends and the financial management required for a nonprofit or university-affiliated foundation.
- A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, although a bachelor's degree and significant experience in senior leadership may also be considered.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and public relations skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse constituencies, including alumni, donors, community leaders and Board members.
- Ability to travel frequently and adapt to irregular work hours to meet the demands of the role.
This role offers the opportunity to make a transformative impact on Boise State University’s future while leading a passionate, committed team to achieve long-term success. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strategic mindset, a strong history of executive leadership and a deep commitment to higher education and philanthropy.
About Boise State University Foundation
Established in 1964 for the benefit of Boise State University, the Foundation works to inspire, generate and prudently manage private support for the university.
Building relationships and support for student success, including the university’s mission as a metropolitan research university of distinction, tell the Boise State story, developing and nurturing donor-centered relationships, and ensuring the stewardship of gifts made to support Boise State are all priorities for the Foundation.
About Boise State University
Known for its vibrant community and its “blue turf thinking”, Boise State is the largest university in Idaho, providing an innovative, transformative and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master's degree offerings.
For more information, visit: Boise State University Foundation CEO.
To submit your name for confidential consideration or to nominate a colleague: email Bryant Group.
Priority will be given to application materials received by March 31, 2025
