Executive Brief

Vice President for Advancement
Chatham University

Chatham University

Chatham University seeks a new Vice President for Advancement. Founded in 1869, Chatham University has an enrollment of over 2,100 students across over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in our areas of excellence: science & health science, sustainability & business, and the liberal arts. Since its beginning, Chatham has been dedicated to developing leaders, first as a women’s college then later welcoming all genders. Chatham is consistently named a College of Distinction and is top ranked for social mobility and both a “Best College” and "Most Beautiful campus" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in a residential area of Pittsburgh, Chatham has an active student life, including athletics, as a Division III school with 24 varsity sports teams.

Located in Pittsburgh, PA – one of the country's most livable cities and great college towns –Chatham is composed of three distinct locations: Shadyside Campus; Chatham Eastside in the fast-growing East End; and Eden Hall Farm, one of the world's most sustainable campuses.

Chatham's mission is "to prepare students to build lives of purpose, value, and fulfilling work...by preparing graduates to be informed and engaged citizens in their communities; to recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion; and to live sustainably." Building on this mission, Chatham is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning, living, and working environment for all members of the campus community.

Chatham University – Leadership Spotlight

Lisa Lambert, Ph.D. – President, Chatham University

Lisa Lambert, Ph.D.
President of Chatham University

Dr. Lisa Lambert was appointed President at Chatham University in 2025. After joining Chatham in 1985 as a faculty member in biology, she was promoted to Professor of Biology in 2012. While at Chatham, Dr. Lambert has served as Chair of the Science Department, founding Program Director for MS Biology, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Learning, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She has done sabbaticals at the University of Pittsburgh, Duke University, and Harvard University School of Public Health while pursuing her research interests in the genetics of iron metabolism. Dr. Lambert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Furman University, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Chatham University's Advancement Office

Chatham University’s Advancement division plays an important role in strengthening the university’s mission through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and donor partnership. The division serves as a central point of connection for alumni, friends, and institutional supporters, helping to build meaningful relationships that advance Chatham’s academic priorities, student experience, and broader community impact.

This leader will build a team that supports a mission-oriented environment where fundraising and engagement work are closely tied to the university’s long-term growth and impact. The division supports a wide range of philanthropic strategies, from annual and major giving to planned gifts, endowed funds, and institutional partnerships, while also fostering ongoing alumni involvement through events, volunteer opportunities, and community-building initiatives.

The Opportunity: Vice President for Advancement

Chatham University – VP for Advancement – Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

Chatham University stands at a defining moment. It is one shaped by opportunity, momentum, and a renewed commitment to its mission. The University is poised to deepen its impact and expand its reach. To help realize this vision, Chatham seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President for Advancement to partner closely with the President and senior leadership team.

This is a role for a builder.

The next Vice President will have the opportunity to reimagine and modernize the advancement function by aligning people, systems, and strategy to create a high-performing, forward-looking operation. Working at the intersection of institutional priorities and philanthropic opportunity, this leader will translate Chatham’s aspirations into a compelling case for support that inspires investment and engagement from a broad and growing community of donors and partners.

As a member of the President’s Leadership Team, the Vice President will play a central role in shaping the University’s future. In close collaboration with the President, the Board of Trustees, and senior colleagues, they will help define and advance both immediate and long-term strategic goals. Equally important, they will serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for Chatham, building authentic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University, and inviting them into a shared vision for impact.

At its core, this role is about creating a culture of philanthropy.

The Vice President will foster that culture across campus and beyond ensuring that advancement is not a standalone function, but a shared responsibility rooted in storytelling, connection, and purpose. They will guide the development of integrated strategies spanning annual giving, major and planned gifts, alumni engagement, and stewardship, all grounded in data-informed decision-making and best practices.

The Vice President will lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign, positioning Chatham to secure the resources needed to advance student success, support academic innovation, and steward its distinctive campus and programs. They will also identify new and creative pathways for philanthropy by broadening the University’s reach beyond traditional models and engaging new constituencies in meaningful ways. Early fundraising priorities will center on re-engaging alumni and cultivating major gifts from foundations and individual donors. Immediate funding needs include capital investment in the renewal of Shadyside facilities, strengthened support for athletics, and increased resources for scholarships.

Internally, the Vice President will be a leader of leaders through recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring a talented team while building the infrastructure and accountability needed to sustain long-term success. They will bring clarity, energy, and discipline to the work, ensuring that goals are ambitious, progress is measurable, and outcomes are achieved. The Vice President will serve as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees and provide staff support to the Committee on Advancement and External Relations.

Chatham seeks a leader who is both strategic and relational. The Vice President will be someone who can think broadly about institutional priorities while also connecting authentically with individuals. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of fundraising success, including the ability to secure major gifts and lead complex initiatives, along with the judgment and presence to operate as a senior institutional leader.

While experience in higher education is highly valued, the University is also interested in leaders from adjacent sectors who bring transferable skills, fresh perspective, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work.

Qualifications:

Must be eager to contribute actively to the mission of Chatham University, with an appreciation for its values-driven focus on capital projects, athletics and support for scholarships.
10 or more years of demonstrated success in Advancement, fundraising, and the administration of capital campaigns required (including a track record of raising six figure gifts), or the equivalent in executive leadership in sales or other related fields.
A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Senior experience in higher education is strongly preferred but, for uniquely qualified candidates, not required.
Strong communication skills are required, as is the ability to track and manage multiple projects and initiatives using cutting-edge technology.
Demonstrated success in increasing the effectiveness of a fundraising or similar unit through established objectives and managing a high-performing team.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically as both a Vice President for Advancement and senior institutional leader.
Ability to build strong and healthy relationships with all internal and external constituencies.
Motivated to be a change agent, with success in effecting large-scale change in previous organizations.

Applications & Nominations

Chatham University has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Wendy Wilsker
Managing Partner, Boston
wwilsker@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Wendy Wilsker has dedicated her entire career to the non-profit sector, serving in leadership roles within charitable organizations and working alongside them as an executive recruiter and consultant. She excels at identifying the unique challenges and opportunities non-profits face, and partners with senior leadership to build successful organizational structures, teams and advancement programs.

Holly Wolk
Senior Associate, Boston
LinkedIn
hwolk@boyden.com

Holly Wolk has nearly 25 years of leadership experience in human resources, recruitment, and talent management. As an executive and public speaker, she has brought transformational practices and strategies to various organizations, including renowned institutions within higher education. Clients benefit greatly from her expertise in talent acquisition and alignment with organizational goals.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.