Leading Change in Advancement: A Chief of Staff Playbook for Driving Results

Higher education advancement organizations are operating in an environment of increasing complexity. Donor expectations are rising, fundraising goals continue to grow, budgets remain constrained, and leaders are being asked to adapt more quickly to changing institutional and external pressures. In this environment, Chiefs of Staff play a critical role in helping advancement leaders move from strategy to execution.

This session explores two essential dimensions of leading change:

• First, participants will examine a practical framework for making high-quality decisions in complex organizations, including how to clarify priorities, structure stakeholder engagement, evaluate options, and build commitment around difficult choices.

• Second, participants will explore a proven change management framework focused on anticipating resistance, mobilizing support, empowering implementation, sustaining momentum, and adapting over time.

Throughout the session, we will focus on the unique role Chiefs of Staff play in both processes. While they may not be the ultimate decision makers or formal sponsors of change, Chiefs of Staff are often responsible for creating the conditions that enable successful outcomes. They help leaders clarify tradeoffs, coordinate stakeholders, align teams, manage communications, and maintain accountability long after initial decisions are made.

Attendees will leave with practical tools to help advancement leaders navigate resistance, build alignment, and make difficult resource decisions with greater confidence, transparency, and impact. Whether supporting a new campaign, organizational restructuring, technology implementation, or fundraising strategy, Chiefs of Staff will gain actionable approaches for leading change more effectively in today’s advancement environment.

Session

Click the Register button to sign up.

Attendance is limited to Advancement Chief of Staff.

• Monday, July 27, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time