This first of its kind study reveals the unique opportunities and challenges women advancement executives face and actionable next steps institutions can take to support their success.
Through research conducted by Hocking Leadership and Shanna A. Hocking, a nationally-recognized thought leader on higher education fundraising and nonprofit leadership, this report offers evidence-based recommendations for advancement leaders, university presidents, and trustees committed to building the conditions for women to thrive in advancement executive roles, strengthen teams, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
BOLD Blueprint for Women in Advancement:
Building Opportunities for
Leadership Development
35%
Women hold fewer than 35% of the most senior advancement executive roles at the top 100 U.S. universities.
This report will help you:
+ UNDERSTAND
the organizational challenges most commonly experienced by women advancement executives—and how to address them systemically
+ IDENTIFY
what onboarding gaps may be costing your institution in retention, confidence, and performance
+ APPLY
three proven strategies to recruit, retain, and support women in senior advancement roles
+ STRENGTHEN
your leadership and fundraising outcomes through strategic investment in leadership development
70%
Over 70% of women reported receiving no formal onboarding support during their transition into a new role.
70%
Over 70% of women reported receiving no formal onboarding support during their transition into a new role.
SO THEN IT’S NO SURPRISE WHEN THIS HAPPENS…
“Oftentimes I am still viewed as ‘administrative support,’ rather than the decision maker and leader of the organization.”
– Study Participant
The Stakes are High
At a time when higher education leadership faces an unprecedented level of pressure, it’s essential to invest in the success of chief advancement executives. This is especially critical for women who are the first to hold their role in the organization.
When women advancement executives leave, institutions lose more than talent—they lose relationships, momentum, and millions in potential gifts.
This study shows how to stop that cycle.
WHY THIS STUDY MATTERS NOW
Download the Full Report
Get the complete findings, detailed recommendations, and practical strategies to strengthen women's leadership at your institution.
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About the Study & Participants
This study surveyed women chief advancement executives at universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada, with 90% having 20+ years of fundraising experience and nearly 70% being in their current role for three years or less.
Data was collected from a confidential online survey, followed by optional one-on-one interviews to explore key themes in greater depth.
Shanna A. Hocking
Shanna A. Hocking is a nationally-recognized thought leader on higher education fundraising and nonprofit leadership and the founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership. A LinkedIn Top Voice, she helps universities and nonprofits raise more money by strengthening leaders, teams, and workplace culture through executive advisory, coaching, and retreats.
She spent 20+ years raising six-, seven-, eight-, and nine-figure gifts and leading teams of nearly 50 professionals at prestigious institutions including the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Alabama, and Duke University. Her current clients include New York University, Boston University, Lehigh University, and University of Maryland Medicine.
Shanna is the author of One Bold Move a Day: Meaningful Actions to Help Women Fulfill Their Leadership and Career Potential (McGraw Hill, 2022) and her expertise has been featured in Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Fast Company, Bloomberg Businessweek, and other major publications. She has appeared on ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliate stations across North America.
THIS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED BY
Your Next Bold Move Starts Here
After reading the report, let’s chat about how you can partner with Hocking Leadership to strengthen your advancement leadership.