PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Selected to Recruit the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Norman Campus for The University of Oklahoma Foundation

Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group, has been selected to recruit the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Norman Campus for The University of Oklahoma Foundation. Bryant Group’s Sarah Hempen, Vice President of Search, is spearheading the assignment for the search firm.

“This is an extraordinary moment to join the University of Oklahoma Foundation’s team,” shared Jay Kahn, Senior Associate Vice President for The University of Oklahoma Foundation. “As we look to complete the monumental success of our $2 billion Lead On Campaign, the Assistant Vice President for Advancement for the Norman campus will play a truly critical role. This individual will be instrumental in building upon that incredible growth, shaping our philanthropic future and aligning our efforts with the University’s refreshed strategic plan to ensure sustained impact and growth for generations to come.”

The successful candidate is an experienced, advancement professional who can bridge stakeholder interests, build meaningful donor relationships and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and campaign goals. In this principal role, the AVP will provide strategic leadership for development activities across OU’s flagship Norman campus while personally managing a portfolio of principal gift prospects, directly impacting the University’s ambitious $2 billion “Lead On” campaign.

This position offers the rare opportunity to shape fundraising strategy at a moment of extraordinary momentum, where average annual contributions have more than doubled since the campaign launch and are on track to set another institutional record in 2025.

As the connector between campus priorities and donor passions, the Assistant Vice President will foster coordination across 22 colleges and schools while nurturing a culture of philanthropy throughout the OU Norman community. The Foundation’s unified advancement model has created unprecedented opportunities for impact. With more than $3 billion in assets, a $40 million operating budget and nearly 40% of the Foundation’s 200+ employees dedicated to fundraising, the new leader will inherit robust data systems, an energized culture and vast white-space to refine the pipeline and secure transformational gifts that will define OU’s future.

The ideal candidate is an experienced advancement professional who builds meaningful donor relationships and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and campaign goals. A Bachelor’s Degree, a minimum of 12 years progressing fundraising in higher education, including experience with campaigns within higher education, are required.

About the University of Oklahoma
OU’s recent move to the Southeastern Conference, combined with its Carnegie “Very High Research Activity” classification and 45 national championships, creates a unique platform for advancement success. The University’s 285,000-strong alumni network spans all 50 states and 21 countries, providing an unparalleled foundation for philanthropic growth. Located in Norman—just 20 miles from dynamic Oklahoma City—the position offers the charm of a vibrant college town with access to a thriving metropolitan area that provides world-class cultural amenities, professional opportunities and an exceptional quality of life.

Advancing Great Leadership
Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching 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 has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 300 organizations across the US and Canada.