Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Northwestern University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Smith as the associate vice president for strategic initiatives, effective October 23, 2024. In this newly created position, Smith will lead four front-line fundraising teams and cross-university fundraising strategies with a focus on driving philanthropic support for institution-wide priorities. Smith will report directly to David Lively, vice president of alumni relations and development, and serve on his executive team. 

Smith joins Northwestern from the University of Chicago, where he serves as associate vice president of alumni relations and development. As AVP, Smith oversees regional advancement, individual giving, and principal gifts. He is also responsible for two university-wide strategic initiative fundraising campaigns – a $150 million campaign to raise 30 new endowed professorships, and all fundraising for the Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. 

Prior to joining the University of Chicago in 2020, Smith held senior leadership roles at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Denver. Smith earned a bachelor of science degree from Skidmore College. 

Rachel Ellenport led this search with Becky Piper, Maureen Perry, and Megan Gorman.