Assistant Chief Advancement Officer, Strategic Initiatives

Get started on your future at CWI, and join us in empowering lives and our community.

Lead Strategic Fundraising & Innovation as Assistant Chief Advancement Officer at CWI!

Are you a visionary fundraiser and strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact in higher education? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking an Assistant Chief Advancement Officer, Strategic Initiatives to drive major gift campaigns, lead high-impact projects, and shape the future of philanthropy and institutional advancement.

Why Join CWI?

At CWI, we are committed to accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens our community. In this pivotal leadership role, you’ll collaborate across departments, mentor colleagues, and lead initiatives that directly support student success, academic excellence, and community engagement.

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

11%+ employer retirement contributions

Generous personal leave

Fundraising Leadership with

Purpose:

Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy aligned with institutional priorities

Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects including individuals, families, foundations, and corporations

Collaborate with Advancement leadership to design targeted solicitation plans and stewardship activities

Strategic Initiatives that Drive Impact:

Lead and manage high-priority initiatives from inception to implementation

Coordinate cross-functionally with college leadership, faculty, and external partners

Define goals, budgets, timelines, and success metrics for strategic projects

Design and implement donor relations strategies that align with CWI’s mission and fundraising goals

Serve as a liaison to college leadership, committees, and external boards

Oversee stewardship strategies including recognition, impact reporting, and engagement

Compelling Communications & Campaign Support:

Partner with Advancement colleagues to craft persuasive proposals and impact narratives

Prepare executive-level briefings and progress reports for leadership and donors

Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture within the Advancement team

Mentor development staff and support professional growth

Ensure compliance with ethical standards and institutional policies

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

Lead major gift campaigns and donor engagement

Develop tailored solicitation and stewardship plans

Strategic Project Leadership

Manage cross-functional initiatives with measurable outcomes

Align projects with institutional priorities

Communications & Collaboration

Create compelling donor materials and executive briefings

Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders

Team Development & Compliance

Mentor staff and build team capacity

Uphold fundraising ethics and regulatory standards

What We’re Looking For:

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (Master’s preferred)

7–10 years of fundraising experience with a strong record in major gifts

Proven success leading strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills

Strategic thinker with strong project management capabilities

Proficiency in donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce)

Analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making skills

Commitment to ethics, integrity, and donor-centric practices

Most positions at CWI are in-person and based on campus. While some roles may allow up to two remote workdays per week, eligibility for remote work is determined on a case‑by‑case basis at the hiring manager's discretion. All candidates must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from CWI. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.

We invite and welcome all applicants and look forward to receiving your application! Keep in mind, your qualifications and expertise need not precisely match the job description to be considered for this role.