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.