As the University of Louisville prepares for its next comprehensive capital campaign, the University of Louisville Foundation is uniquely positioned to strengthen the financial resources that fuel student success, groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and lasting community impact. With responsibility for receiving, investing, managing, and stewarding philanthropic assets on behalf of the University, the Foundation serves as a trusted partner in ensuring the institution’s long-term financial strength.
The Foundation oversees approximately $1.6 billion in assets, including significant endowment and real estate holdings that support scholarships, faculty excellence, and research. Together with the University of Louisville Real Estate Foundation, it manages a complex portfolio that requires exceptional financial stewardship, governance, and strategic leadership.
The Opportunity
The University of Louisville Foundation seeks an accomplished Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer to lead at a pivotal moment in the University’s future.
Reporting to the Board of Directors of the University of Louisville Foundation, the role will provide executive leadership across finance, investments, governance, operations, risk management, and real estate while serving as a trusted advisor to Foundation leadership, University executives, and the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
The successful candidate will bring extensive executive leadership experience managing complex financial and operational enterprises, with demonstrated success overseeing investments (including real estate), governance, strategic planning, and multidisciplinary teams. Experience in higher education, foundations, or other mission-driven organizations is valued, as is executive leadership experience in financial services, investment management, or real estate. Regardless of sector, the successful candidate will have demonstrated success building trusted partnerships across governing boards, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the long-term financial strength and strategic future of a major public research university while leading an organization whose stewardship directly advances education, discovery, innovation, and community impact for generations to come.
