PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Selected by Montana State University Alumni Foundation for President and CEO/Vice President, University Advancement Search

Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group, has been selected to recruit the next president and CEO/vice president, University Advancement of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation. Chris Bingley, president of Bryant Group, is spearheading the assignment for the search firm.

“Montana State University has been fortunate to thrive under the leadership of its president, Dr. Waded Cruzado. This is an incredible opportunity to continue the history of success and growth at one of the most impactful and preeminent Universities in the region,” said Bryant Group.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of building strong relationships with campus leadership and fostering a collaborative environment in a university-affiliated foundation and/or alumni association.

Reporting to the Foundation’s Board of Governors, the President and CEO/VP, University Advancement manages a leadership team of direct reports responsible for Development, Engagement, Finance and Accounting, Operations, Communications and Annual Fund and Data and Information Services; and manages the 60+ employees of the Foundation.

The President and CEO/VP, University Advancement will oversee the management of the Foundation’s $232 million endowment, the Foundation’s annual operating budget of approximately $10 million, and two related entities, Montana State University Innovation Campus (MSUIC) and Advance Technology, Inc (ATI).

Key qualifications include:

• Seven or more years of progressive success in a senior management role, preferably in a public university-affiliated foundation and/or alumni association. Experience in both fundraising and alumni engagement is preferred.
• Proven track record of ethical and strategic leadership, collaborative planning and problem-solving, and positive program and personnel management.
• Business acumen, including experience managing and implementing multi-department budgets; understanding of proper nonprofit financial management.
• Senior management experience in the planning and execution of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Executive experience with developing and implementing business strategy.
• Ability to inspire others through strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to form strong relationships evidenced by effective collaboration with the University’s stakeholders, including University leadership, staff, donors, alumni, the community, corporate and Foundation representatives, and other University-related nonprofits.
• Deep understanding of investment practices and endowment management.
• Ability to affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.
• Interest in becoming familiar with Montana’s communities and culture.

The Montana State University Alumni Foundation is the institutionally related foundation of Montana State University with a mission to cultivate lifelong relationships and secure private support to advance Montana State University.

Montana State University, founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, enjoys worldwide respect and is the state’s largest university, enrolling a 2022 student population of 16,688 students. With more than $200 million in research expenditures annually, the university conducts more research than all other public and private entities in Montana combined. It is one of only 146 higher education institutions to receive an R1 designation for very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university offers over 250 undergraduate and 115 graduate degrees including through Gallatin College MSU, which offers more than 20 one- and two-year workforce degrees and certificates to meet the interests of students and the workforce needs of southwest Montana.

Montana State University is in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 55,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities. Named an All-American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events. Bozeman is listed as one of National Geographic’s “World’s 25 Best Ski Towns.” Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dream towns – small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. Bozeman is in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

Advancing Great Leadership

Bryant Group, based in Irving, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership consulting for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 275 organizations.