Lead the Philanthropic Future of East Central University
President & CEO
East Central University Foundation
East Central University is seeking a strategic, results-driven executive to serve as President & CEO of the ECU Foundation—the university’s primary philanthropic partner and steward of more than $60 million in assets. This is an opportunity to shape institutional growth, expand major gift philanthropy, and strengthen long-term impact for students, alumni, and the Ada community.
This is an opportunity to shape institutional growth, expand major gift philanthropy, and strengthen long-term impact for students, alumni, and the Ada community.
The Opportunity
The President & CEO serves as chief executive of the East Central University Foundation and reports directly to the Foundation Board, working in close collaboration with the University President.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading comprehensive fundraising strategy
Personally cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts
Evaluating campaign readiness and long-term growth potential
Strengthening board engagement and governance
Expanding alumni and community partnerships
Ensuring disciplined stewardship of philanthropic assets
The Foundation stewards more than $60 million in assets supporting scholarships, academic programs, faculty excellence, and institutional priorities.
The platform is established.
The opportunity is growth.
What Sucess Looks Like
Within the first 18–24 months, the successful candidate will:
Establish strong alignment with university leadership
Build trusted relationships with top-tier donors
Conduct a comprehensive fundraising capacity assessment
Increase major gift pipeline development
Activate board members as philanthropic ambassadors
Strengthen reporting, stewardship, and impact communication
The board seeks measurable progress paired with a sustainable strategy.
The board seeks measurable progress
The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an executive who brings:
Demonstrated success securing six-and seven-figure gifts
Campaign leadership experience or significant participation
Executive-level board partnership experience
Strategic planning capability with disciplined execution
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
High integrity and donor-centered leadership
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred in business administration, public administration, higher education leadership, nonprofit management, or a related field. Experience in higher education advancement is preferred. Exceptional nonprofit fundraising leaders with strong governance and campaign experience are encouraged to inquire.
“East Central University is positioned for strategic growth, and the Foundation plays a critical role in advancing that trajectory. We are seeking a President & CEO who brings disciplined execution, strong board partnership, and a proven ability to drive philanthropic results. This leader will build meaningful donor relationships, strengthen alignment with university leadership, and expand the Foundation’s long-term impact. Our board is committed to supporting a forward-thinking executive who is prepared to lead with integrity and measurable outcomes.”
—Jeremy Humphers
Chair, ECU Foundation Board
About East Central University
Founded in 1909, East Central University serves more than 3,500 students and is recognized for academic quality, student access, and workforce alignment across south-central Oklahoma.
ECU offers:
A student-centered culture
Strong alumni engagement
Regional workforce partnerships
Visible leadership impact
Deep community roots
Life in Ada, Oklahoma
Leadership here extends beyond campus. Ada is a civic-minded, accessible community where executive leadership is visible and impactful. With a population that values education and economic growth, the city offers professional influence paired with a personal quality of life.
Community & Economic Strength
Ada benefits from strong local industry and civic leadership supported by organizations such asthe Ada Jobs Foundation and the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce. These groups highlight business growth, workforce development, and regional economic stability.
Healthcare Access
Residents benefit from established healthcare providers, including:
Cost of Living & Housing
Ada offers a cost of living significantly below national averages, with accessible housing options and short commute times. For relocation research:
Recreation & Regional Access
Ada offers local dining, parks, and cultural events, with broader outdoor recreation across Chickasaw Country. Oklahoma City is approximately 90 minutes away, offering additional metropolitan amenities.
Ada provides the rare combination of leadership visibility, strong community relationships, and quality of life.
Governance & Structure
The ECU Foundation operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization stewarding philanthropic assets in alignment with donor intent and university priorities. The President & CEO reports to the Foundation Board and works in strategic partnership with the University President. Board engagementis active, supportive, and growth-oriented.
Application & Confidential Inquiry
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest or request a confidential conversation.
Direct inquiries to: Danielle Ezell
Mettise Group danielle@mettise.com
All inquiries will be handled with discretion
Compensation
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package will be offered.