Jaci A. Thiede brings over 30 years of experience in higher education advancement and administration to her clients.  She has a deep passion for higher education because she has seen it change lives and opportunities.  Jaci started her advancement career as an onsite campaign manager with Alexander Haas in 1994 and has been leading advancement teams ever since.  Most recently, she was the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Grinnell College where she led the most successful fundraising campaign in Grinnell’s 177-year history.  Prior to that she served as the Vice President for Advancement at Butler University and as the Associate Dean for Alumni Relations and Development at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law.  Jaci was instrumental in securing the $100 million gift to name the law school.  She also served her alma mater, Indiana University, in a variety of development, marketing and communications roles over the decade she worked for the Indiana University Foundation.

Working for large public and smaller private universities, a professional school, as well as strong regional and liberal arts institutions has given Jaci a breadth of experience that allows her to quickly understand her client’s challenges and opportunities, no matter the size of the institution. 

Areas of expertise for Jaci include campaign planning and strategy, major and principal gift strategies, team assessment and restructuring, strategic planning and goal setting, board development, leadership transitions and building a culture of philanthropy.  She has earned a reputation for building and enhancing strong and sustainable advancement programs and is eager to share her experience with her clients. 

Jaci earned her B.A. from Indiana University-Bloomington and her MBA from the College of William & Mary’s Mason School of Business.  She was a contributor to “Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign” and was a guest lecturer for the “Introduction to Fundraising” course developed at Indiana University.  Her volunteer service includes being a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for displaced children, Gleaners Food Bank, Greenhouse Scholars and Girls on the Run–Chicago, serving on its board for eight years. 

Outside of consulting, Jaci spends time walking and hiking with her beloved dog, Summit.  She is passionate about photography, downhill skiing, the Chicago Cubs, all things Indiana University and time with friends and family, especially her nine nieces and nephews.