Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview

The Clemson University Foundation (CUF or Foundation) invites nominations and applications for the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO serves as the chief executive leader of the Foundation and holds executive responsibility for its two affiliated entities: the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation (CUREF) and the Clemson University Land Stewardship Foundation (CULSF). This leader is charged with growing the endowment, strengthening long-term financial sustainability, and guiding the overall management, operations, and impact of all three foundations.

The CEO ensures each organization operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability while always honoring donor intent and stewarding resources with care.

The CEO plays a vital role in shaping a strong, collaborative philanthropic environment. In partnership with Clemson’s fundraising and Advancement teams, this leader ensures that philanthropic activity is supported by clear, efficient, and donor-centered Foundation operations. Core responsibilities include oversight of all daily operations including but not limited to financial and investment results; financial affairs; management of gifts, funds, and donor-restricted resources;

maintaining accurate financial records and reporting; and ensuring that resources are used as donors intended. The CEO oversees Clemson University Foundation staff, recommends policy and program enhancements, and recruits and develops talent in alignment with approved budget parameters to foster a high-performing and service-focused team.

The CEO reports to the Board of Directors of the Clemson University Foundation, with a dual reporting relationship to the Vice President for Advancement to ensure strong alignment and coordination across the philanthropic enterprise including IPTAY, the Clemson Alumni Association, the university’s Capital Campaign leadership and working teams. The CEO also serves as a key member of the Advancement Leadership Team which helps to shape priorities, strengthen collaboration, and ensures cohesive execution of our shared philanthropic goals.

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership across CUF, CUREF, and CULSF to ensure alignment with advancement priorities and foster thoughtful, sustainable growth of the
• Partner with all Clemson University development leaders to elevate the donor experience and advance philanthropic 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.

Financial and Investment Oversight & Compliance

• 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…