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LEADERSHIP SEARCH PROFILE
PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FOUNDATION + CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
THE OPPORTUNITYThe University of Alaska Foundation (UA Foundation) seeks a highly qualified leader to serve as president
of the UA Foundation, located in Anchorage, Alaska, and chief development officer for the University
of Alaska (also referred to as “university”). This is a unique and exciting opportunity to play a significant
leadership role in expanding and increasing philanthropy for the university system-wide, including
providing direction for the university’s first system-wide comprehensive campaign.
The president/chief development officer will work with the UA Foundation Board of Directors and
the university president to establish and execute system-level strategies that grow and sustain private
donations in support of the university mission and priorities. He/she will ensure that the UA Foundation
is effectively managed and carrying out its responsibilities in the prudent stewardship and investment of
private philanthropic resources donated to benefit the university. He/she will work collaboratively with
the chancellors and advancement leaders for the University of Alaska’s three universities to help optimize
resources and efforts invested in advancement.
The UA Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that operates for the exclusive benefit of the university.
Its purpose is to accept donations to the university and to manage, invest, and oversee the handling of
those contributed funds to ensure each donor’s intent is met. The UA Foundation also provides strategic
direction, coordination, and technical assistance in development to the three universities in the University
of Alaska system.
The University of Alaska is comprised of three separately accredited universities—University of Alaska
Anchorage (UAA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). In
fulfilling its mission to inspire learning and to advance and disseminate knowledge through teaching,
research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples, the university serves
approximately 33,000 students on 16 campuses across Alaska. The university supports Alaska’s workforce
development and higher education needs by offering certificate and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate
degree programs.
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FOUNDATIONMISSIONThe mission of the University of Alaska Foundation is to seek, secure and steward
philanthropic support to build excellence at the University of Alaska.
VISIONTo be a sustainable organization working in alignment with the University of
Alaska to grow private philanthropy to enhance excellence.
VALUESTrust • Excellence • Service • Teamwork
The UA Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation,
established in 1974 and designated by the Board of Regents
to accept, receipt, and steward philanthropic gifts in addition
to managing and investing donations for the exclusive benefit
of the university.
Coordinating annual giving, relationship development,
principal giving, and philanthropic giving, the UA Foundation
attracts and empowers approximately 7,000 individual,
corporate, and foundation donors per year to match their
passions and dreams with scholarship, research, program
support, and other strategic and important philanthropic
activities at the university. At each interaction, the UA
Foundation’s expert staff works to invite donors to co-create
their vision for the future of Alaska.
The UA Foundation manages disbursement of over $12 million
in philanthropic expenditures annually across the university
system. Donations exceeding $18 million each year, on average,
are accepted for every aspect of the University of Alaska’s
mission. Faculty professorships, creative and research ventures,
capital investment, athletics, graduate fellowships, and
merit or need-based student aid are among the most common
philanthropic investments. The UA Foundation manages
the process and provides support to individual campuses
and committees to award over $3 million in scholarship
support annually.
Services at the UA Foundation include investment management
and accounting for over 1,700 funds to ensure that gifts are
implemented as donors intend. This includes periodic audits
of fund expenditures as well as reporting to demonstrate
the impact of private investment. The UA Foundation also
maintains the alumni and constituent relationship database
for the entire University of Alaska system.
The UA Foundation assists donors and their professional
advisors in making gifts through trusts, wills, insurance policies,
retirement plans, real estate, and similar vehicles. Operations
are funded, in part, by administrative assessments, including an
annual fee on endowed funds, and to a lesser extent, one-time
administrative fees of five percent on non-endowed gifts and
one percent on endowed gifts.
The UA Foundation adheres to the highest ethical standards in
fundraising and fund management. It subscribes to the Code of
Ethics adopted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
and is a member of both the Council of Advancement and
Support of Education and the Association of Governing Boards.
The UA Foundation is separate and distinct from the University
of Alaska and is governed by its own board of directors. The
board is composed of prominent Alaskans, the university
president, two members of the University of Alaska Board of
Regents, and the UAA, UAF, and UAS chancellors.
FOUNDATIONSTRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020
The UA Foundation’s Strategic Plan 2015-2020 has three strategic priorities:
UNIVERSITY/FOUNDATION ALIGNMENTThe Board of Regents, university leadership, and the UA Foundation Board of Directors are aligned to
advance the core of education and research at the university and to fuel the university’s fundraising engine.
HIGH PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONThe Board of Directors is actively engaged in the mission, goals, and priorities of the university through
strategic investments supporting the university’s fundraising capacity.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY & OPPORTUNITY GROWTHThe UA Foundation, in partnership with the university, provides sustainable financial and organizational
resources to the university to maximize fundraising opportunity.
In fiscal year 2019, the UA Foundation had $427 million in assets under management and distributed
$17.5 million in financial support to the university and its students. The Consolidated Endowment Fund,
jointly invested with the University of Alaska Land Grand Trust, was the largest asset class with a market
value of $364 million at June 30, 2019. It has been managed by Cambridge Associates LLC under the
OCIO model since 2013, with oversight by the UA Foundation’s Investment Committee.
The UA Foundation receives and processes approximately $15-$20 million in gifts annually and manages
nearly 2,000 separate funds, endowed and non-endowed, restricted for different projects, departments,
and purposes across the system.
The UA Foundation has four functional departments that support its operations:
■ Accounting and Finance
■ Development/Campaign Planning (including Principal Gifts, Gift Planning,
and Philanthropic Research)
■ Donor Engagement (including Scholarships, Fund and Gift Services, Communication
and Annual Giving)
■ Information Services
CAMPAIGNThe university is undertaking, with leadership and management of the UA Foundation, its first-ever
comprehensive campaign. The campaign is currently in the silent phase of an eight-year (FY17-FY24)
campaign period, during which all private support (calculated according to CASE guidelines)
will be counted toward the campaign goal. There are four overarching themes related to Alaska’s
greatest possibilities:
■ CULTURE OF EDUCATION Accessible and equitable, focused on student success
■ WORKFORCE Adaptive, focused on high-need sectors
■ RESEARCH RELEVANT TO ALASKA AND THE ARCTIC REGION Solving real-world challenges
■ GROW AND DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY Expanding Alaska’s knowledge base
The UA Foundation is responsible for compiling and reporting its fundraising results and those of the
three universities to the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
The President of the UA Foundation leads and manages a staff of 31, including five direct reports:
Associate Vice President of Development/Campaign, Chief Donor Relations Officer, Director of
Finance, Chief Information Officer, and Executive Assistant to the President/Board Coordinator. He/
she works closely and in partnership with the advancement teams at the three universities.
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SYSTEMThe University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through
teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples.
The University of Alaska is a land, sea, and space grant system of higher education established in 1917. The
University of Alaska system’s three universities are separately accredited institutions with 13 community
campuses and extended learning centers across the State of Alaska. All three universities deliver extensive
e-learning instruction everywhere students are located.
System-wide, more than 33,000 full- and part-time students are enrolled and studying in 500 degree,
certificate or endorsement programs Study areas include short-course workforce training, associate degrees,
bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as doctorates.
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE The University of Alaska Anchorage is the largest university campus in the state.
The University of Alaska Anchorage’s main campus is located in Anchorage,
with four community campuses and extension sites throughout Southcentral
Alaska. It is an open-access university that serves almost 18,000 students each
year, 91 percent of whom hail from Alaska.
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers more than 100 degree and certificate
programs through a full complement of programs and courses, including in
high-demand fields such as engineering, health, business and education, as well
as the liberal arts and sciences. The university’s career and technical education
programs are closely aligned with Alaska’s core industries, such as aviation, oil,
and gas. Many courses are designed with flexibility to accommodate students
who work or have a family, and the campus houses a range of student success
and support centers.
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKSThe University of Alaska Fairbanks is the nation’s northernmost land, sea, and
space grant university and international research center. The University of Alaska
Fairbanks colleges and schools offer instruction in more than 100 disciplines,
including vocational and technical programs, on seven campuses across the
State. Graduate degrees are available in a wide range of academic fields.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the principal research center for the
statewide university system and is internationally known for its research in
the Pacific Rim and the circumpolar North. The university is consistently
among the top 100 universities in the nation for funding from the National
Science Foundation.
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST Comprised of the School of Arts and Sciences, Alaska College of Education,
School of Career Education, and the Maritime Training Center, the University of
Alaska Southeast is the smallest of the three major University of Alaska campuses.
It is known for small class sizes, academic excellence, personalized attention,
comprehensive student support, and a high level of student satisfaction.
The University of Alaska Southeast offers both online and on-campus
programs in the sciences, including marine biology, English, social science,
liberal arts, business, education, construction, power technology, fisheries,
maritime training, health sciences, and more and takes advantage of its
location in Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest for study and research.
AREAS OF EXCELLENCEARCTIC RESEARCH The environment, economy, and demographics of the circumpolar North are changing in complex but
predictable ways. The rapid changes present an urgency to understand and adapt to these dynamic times.
The value of scientific research includes direct investment in local economies and improvements in
community life. University of Alaska’s research engages undergraduate and graduate students to provide
the skills and knowledge needed to become tomorrow’s leaders.
LOCATION Alaska’s vast environment of rainforest, tundra, coastal shores, and mountains provides stunning locations
for study, research, and play. With campuses in many of the most beautiful places in Alaska, from big
cities to small villages, the University of Alaska System has a place for everyone, whether fresh out of high
school or returning later in life to start a new career path.
AFFORDABILITY Tuition and fees at the University of Alaska are below the national average. University of Alaska offers a
full range of financial aid resources and scholarships to help pay for education. The university’s in-state
tuition program generously extends to descendants of Alaskan residents, active duty military, dependent
children of alumni, participants in the University of Alaska College Savings Plan, and more, making
University of Alaska an affordable option for exceptional quality.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTThe University of Alaska is the number one provider of workforce development programs in the state.
Training a skilled workforce is a critical part of its mission. According to national research, by 2025, 65
percent of Alaska jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. When last measured, the rate
was just 37 percent, indicating that Alaska’s economy is changing and the demand for advanced skilled
labor is increasing.
LEADERSHIP Dr. Jim Johnsen leads the University of Alaska as it strives to achieve the Statewide goal of 65 percent of
Alaska’s working-age population with a post-secondary degree or certificate by 2025.
President Johnsen was appointed the University of Alaska’s 14th president in 2015 and oversees the
three universities and 13 community campuses that deliver face-to-face and online programs to Alaskans
regardless of where they live.
President Johnsen is a passionate advocate for post-secondary education and the benefits of life-long
learning. He works with government and tribal leaders as well as business and community groups, to
bolster the University of Alaska’s role in strengthening Alaska’s economy.
President Johnsen is a commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education, a
commissioner on the Denali Commission and a member of the board of directors of the Alaska Aerospace
Corporation. He is the past chair of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and vice-chair
of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation.
Before joining the university, President Johnsen held executive positions at Alaska Communications and
Doyon, Limited. He served in higher education leadership roles at the University of Minnesota and the
University of Alaska from 1992-2008. President Johnsen was also a visiting scholar at the Center for
Studies in Higher Education at the University of California, Berkeley.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a master’s degree
in political science from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in higher education management
from the University of Pennsylvania.
ABOUT ANCHORAGEAnchorage is Alaska’s largest city, with a population of approximately 298,000, comprising 41 percent of
the state’s total population. It is known for its trails, wildlife, and glaciers, as well as life under the midnight
sun and auroras. The city’s residents share their space with an estimated 1,500 moose, not to mention
bald eagles, bears, beavers, Dall sheep, and the occasional lynx. Anglers are drawn to Ship Creek, one of
the world’s only urban salmon fisheries. To the east, Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest
are home to some of the most accessible outdoor adventures in the state, located just 20 minutes from
downtown Anchorage. To the west, Anchorage is on the edge of Cook Inlet, with the Coastal Trail lending
impressive views of the Alaska Range and Denali.
Anchorage is home to a broad range of Native cultures. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a renowned
cultural center and museum that promotes the active observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions,
featuring permanent collections and educational programs. Alaska Native artists and artisans display their
works at exhibitions, galleries, and shops in Anchorage. The state’s largest gathering of indigenous peoples
takes place every other year in Anchorage with the Alaska Federation of Natives convention.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGESFOR THE PRESIDENT/CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
EXPAND AND INCREASE PHILANTHROPY FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKAThe president/chief development officer will advocate for philanthropy at the UA Foundation, at the
level of the University of Alaska senior leadership team, at the university’s board of regents level, among
leadership of the three universities, and externally to alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, friends,
and others across Alaska to expand and increase philanthropic support for the university.
PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF FUNDRAISING SUPPORT AND SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKAThe president/chief development officer will be supported by a team of advancement professionals with
over a half-century of tenure in the University of Alaska System. The UA Foundation fosters a culture of
continuous improvement and innovation in the areas of; fundraising and donor management technology,
gift receipting, annual giving, prospect research and management, planned giving, and principal giving.
This position will be an advocate of data, analytics, and advancement information technology to support
an efficient and effective foundation infrastructure and operations.
FACILITATE EXEMPLARY ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE The president/chief development officer will provide leadership and direction for the stewardship of
$427 million in assets under management, including $364 million invested in a consolidated endowment
fund and in excess of $50 million in cash and intermediate-term investments, with close regard to
intergenerational equity.
PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA’S COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGNThe president/chief development officer will have the unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership to
university advancement teams in support of the university’s first system-wide comprehensive fundraising
campaign. As many in the UA Foundation and university advancement teams have not had prior
experience with a system-wide comprehensive campaign, an experienced leader with higher education
campaign experience can offer great expertise and value to the effort.
GROW TRANSFORMATIONAL GIVING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKAThe UA Foundation has recently implemented a principal gifts program to lead and manage impact
philanthropy across the three university campuses. The president/chief development officer will foster
the growth of the system-wide principal gifts program to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from donors
who donate at the University of Alaska’s highest giving levels and those that have interest in supporting
more than one of the three universities.
COMMUNICATE THE IMPACT OF PRIVATE GIVINGThe university is facing budget cuts over the next few years as a result of the Governor of Alaska’s deep
cuts to the state’s budget. The university’s cuts have created some cautionary dialogue among internal and
external stakeholders and constituents and in the general public as to the university’s current operations and
future momentum. The new president/chief development officer will help develop and disseminate positive
and compelling messaging to convey the university’s excellence and impact and guide communication to
donors regarding fundraising and private support across the entire University of Alaska System.
FOSTER SYSTEM-WIDE COLLABORATION FOR ADVANCEMENT The University of Alaska’s three universities all employ their own advancement teams responsible for
philanthropic efforts at the university level. The president/chief development officer will develop and
maintain effective partnerships with chancellors, deans, and other academic leaders, university advancement
staffs, other key departments and divisions, volunteers, and others to facilitate advancement collaboration
across the state. He/she will promote cooperation as essential to effective advancement programs for the
university while understanding that UAA, UAF, and UAS each manage their advancement activities.
PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FOUNDATION BOARD The UA Foundation Board volunteer leadership is deeply committed to the foundation and the university.
The president/chief development officer will work closely with current board members, communicate with
former members to keep them engaged, and identify new board members with passion for the University
of Alaska. He/she will foster the strategic development of the board, including ensuring members have
an optimal mix of skills and attributes to advance the mission of the University of Alaska and the
UA Foundation.
EMPOWER AND INSPIRE THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FOUNDATION AND UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT TEAMS The president/chief development officer will empower the UA Foundation Staff and ensure accountability
through clearly defined goals, priorities, and metrics. In addition, he/she will inspire the university
advancement teams to grow professionally and embrace a collaborative fundraising platform by articulating
a collective vision for fundraising and fostering an advancement culture that incorporates nationally
recognized best practices and excellence.
VALUE AND EMBRACE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIONAlaska has a rich multicultural base, which is reflected in the university community. The president/chief
development officer will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion at the UA Foundation and across
university advancement. He/she will be committed to building and strengthening a diverse and inclusive
foundation and a fundraising environment that embraces varying backgrounds and views.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FOUNDATION + CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKAThis position will serve as president of the UA Foundation, reporting to the foundation board of directors,
and as the University of Alaska’s chief development officer, reporting to the University of Alaska vice president
of university relations and serving as a member of the university’s senior leadership team.
RESPONSIBILITIESThe main responsibilities of the president /chief development officer are to:
■ Work with the UA Foundation Board of Directors and the University of Alaska
President on strategic planning, goals, and annual work plans aligned with system-level
development priorities.
■ Guide the university’s efforts to assess, plan, and implement comprehensive system-wide
fundraising campaigns.
■ Manage the day-to-day business and operations of the UA Foundation, including
governance, board relations, compliance with legal requirements, and budget development
and management.
■ Work with the UA Foundation director of finance to ensure policies and decisions meet
and serve the aligned needs of the UA Foundation and the university.
■ Assist and guide the university community in strategic and technical areas of development.
■ Represent the UA Foundation and university with various and diverse individuals and
groups, including alumni, students, families, community leaders, businesses, donors,
and government representatives.
■ Serve as senior advisor on development to the university president.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES ■ Growth mindset
■ Able to engage effectively and authentically with a wide range of
internal and external constituents in a wide variety of settings
■ Fundraising campaign experience (higher education preferred)
■ Executive presence and excellent presentation capabilities
■ A persuasive and effective internal and external communicator
with strong listening skills who will be a passionate advocate for
the University of Alaska and tell its distinctive stories to inspire
and engage diverse audiences in the foundation’s mission
■ Alaska connections and personal knowledge of the state or a
strong interest in relocating to Alaska and embracing its unique
culture and environment
■ Experience leading an institutionally related foundation
■ Experience working within a university system structure
■ Adaptable, flexible, perseverant, quick learner
■ A strong strategist who is creative, innovative, entrepreneurial,
and action-oriented
■ Professional knowledge and experience in all aspects of the
advancement paradigm as well as an understanding of current
and emerging advancement best practices and a keen sense of
current and developing trends in higher education advancement
■ Experience working with federal and state legislatures and
knowledge of political and appropriations processes
■ A high energy and enthusiastic proven fundraiser who will
stimulate a robust culture of philanthropy at the University
of Alaska
■ A leader committed to diversity, equity, and an inclusive
environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and
respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources,
and can contribute fully to the UA Foundation’s success
■ Exceptional interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence,
and a genuine interest in others
■ An interdisciplinary thinker
■ A connector who builds strong and meaningful relationships
with internal and external constituencies
■ An executive with business and financial acumen who can
positively affect efficient operations of the UA Foundation
■ Collaborative leadership style and highly professional
supervisory skills which facilitate the continued development
of a high-performing team
QUALIFICATIONSPost-graduate degree or substantial leadership
experience preferred
Commensurate experience including, but not
limited to, successful leadership qualifications in a
senior administrative capacity; demonstrated success
in fundraising; and/or experience in universities,
foundations and working with endowments
Proven ability to develop and inspire a team of
accomplished advancement professionals in a
collegial manner with a demonstrated capacity
for teamwork
Commitment to and understanding of public
higher education
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS The President, University of Alaska Foundation/Chief Development Officer, University of Alaska
Search Committee will review application materials as received and continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted electronically (MS Word or Adobe PDF) to
[email protected] and must include:
1. letter of interest that addresses how the candidate meets the Search Committee’s qualifications,
preferred attributes, and the opportunities for leadership as described in the position profile;
2. Resume or curriculum vitae;
3. Diversity statement describing what diversity means to you and why it is important; and
4. Five professional references with email addresses and phone numbers provided (references
will not be contacted without prior permission from the applicant).
AGB Search in Washington, DC is assisting the President, University of Alaska Foundation/Chief
Development Officer, University of Alaska search. Nominators and prospective applicants may contact
the executive search consultants:
Kimberly Templeton, JD
Principal
Email: [email protected]
Office: 202. 776.0820 | Cell: 540.761.9494
Jim Lanier
Executive Search Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 202.580.5194
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any
individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.
