Executive Director-Business Operations
Reports to the Vice Chair of Development Operations. Serves as a senior executive advisor to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and partners closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Enterprise Finance leadership. Serves as a principal advisor on the structuring of complex gift agreements, providing net present value analysis involving complex assets (e.g., closely held business interests, real estate, retirement assets, stock, and non-cash gift vehicles) and blended gifts, balancing institutional risk against philanthropic opportunity. Provides executive leadership for Development’s philanthropic financial operations, including direct supervision of the Gift Processing function and close partnership with Development Finance. Leads the philanthropic revenue forecasting process and the establishment of long-term philanthropic goals. Leads through a matrixed leadership structure and operates with delegated authority to set strategic direction, policies, and governance for philanthropic financial operations across the Department of Development.
Position Overview (Major Functions and Non-Essential Functions):
As an executive advisor, the incumbent partners with the CDO, CFO, and other leaders to inform institutional decision-making related to philanthropic revenue, philanthropic forecasting, and transformational giving strategies. The incumbent serves as the CDO’s primary advisor on gift structure and complex asset evaluation, translating technical NPV modeling into clear, actionable recommendations. The role exercises significant autonomy and authority in setting direction, approving financial models and assumptions, and establishing enterprise-wide standards for gift administration, financial reporting, and risk management.
The Executive Director-Business Operations establishes and oversees the strategic framework that ensures all philanthropic revenue - across gifts, pledges, endowments, and complex giving vehicles - is managed with integrity, transparency, and full regulatory compliance in support of Mayo Clinic’s mission.
This position combines financial strategy, executive advisory responsibility, and managerial oversight. The Executive Director leads through influence in a highly matrixed environment, balancing long-range strategy with stewardship of critical day-to-day operations that support Mayo Clinic’s philanthropic and financial sustainability.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field required. Ten (10) or more years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit finance, healthcare finance, or philanthropic financial administration, including demonstrated enterprise-level responsibility. Significant experience advising senior executives and influencing decision-making is required. Proven experience modeling and structuring complex, transformational gift agreements (e.g., multi-year pledges, conditional gifts, endowments) and in forecasting and developing long-range financial plans for a complex organization. Demonstrated success leading senior leaders and managing multi-layered teams within a matrixed environment is required.
Additional Experience and/or Qualifications (Job Knowledge and Additional Considerations):
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred. Deep knowledge of CASE standards, IRS regulations for charitable giving, fund accounting, and governance practices related to charitable giving in a healthcare or academic environment strongly desired. Experience in advising with C-suite executives and enterprise finance leaders on gift structure and acceptance is highly desired. Demonstrated executive presence, strategic agility, and ability to lead through influence and ambiguity is desired. Previous experience in a healthcare philanthropy or academic development setting is a plus, as is familiarity with donor databases and financial systems (e.g., CRM and accounting software) used in gift processing and reporting. Proven ability to lead in a complex, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders; must be comfortable with ambiguity and adept at building consensus. Demonstrated competencies in strategic thinking, project management, and process improvement are important. Must exemplify strong integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive donor and financial information. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor staff, collaborate across departments, and inspire trust and confidence among colleagues and partners.