Jonathan Schwartz, an accomplished professional who had a central role in one of the most successful fundraising efforts in the history of higher education, has joined the University of Rochester's advancement division in a senior leadership role as associate vice president for advancement and director of University campaigns.
Rochester's Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer James D. Thompson said, "Jonathan was a key member of my executive staff at Washington University and was instrumental in the completion of our campaign. I am thrilled that our growing advancement division at Rochester is attracting professionals of his caliber." Washington University's campaign, the sixth largest in the history of higher education at that time, raised $1.55 billion.
As assistant vice chancellor for development at Washington University, and in his previous position as senior director of capital projects, Schwartz has had responsibilities in the areas of capital campaign management, campaign communications, fundraising for facilities and special projects, principal gifts, donor relations, special events, and stewardship. All these areas of expertise will be applied in his new position.
In the advancement division, Schwartz provides leadership in the areas of capital and special projects, communications, and stewardship. He and his staff will work closely with University leaders engaged in strategic planning to help articulate funding opportunities over the next decade.
"I am delighted to partner with Jim Thompson again," said Schwartz. "He has formed an exceptional team to enhance Rochester's advancement efforts. I look forward to helping prepare for the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the University's history. After having worked at several large institutions, I also consider it a privilege to be able to learn about the University of Rochester. Even in a short time, I've discovered this is a very distinctive and exciting academic community."
Prior to his service at Washington University, Schwartz held positions in development at the California Institute of Technology in corporate relations, foundation relations, and individual fundraising. At Caltech, his important committee work included co-authoring a report on the state of alumni relations; serving as the lead internal advisor on a systems conversion; and staffing the presidential search and selection committees. In his last role at Caltech, he co-directed its successful Biological Sciences Initiative campaign.
Schwartz holds a bachelor's degree in history and English from Georgetown University; a master's degree in radio, TV, and film from Northwestern University; and has conducted doctoral work in cinema-TV critical studies at the University of Southern California.