Vice President for University Advancement

Click Here for the full Vacancy Announcement. (Job # 553434) Administrator IV, Vice President for University Advancement, Salary Range: $10,106 - $32,441 monthly, Anticipated Hiring Range: $19,500 - $22,900 monthly. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month, at-will position in the Division of University Advancement. Position Summary Reporting to the University President and working collaboratively with colleagues across campus, the Vice President for University Advancement provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for the University’s advancement enterprise. This includes fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, marketing and communications, special initiatives, advocacy, and government relations. The incumbent also serves as Executive Director of the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation and acts as liaison for management of KHSU public radio. The Vice President provides executive leadership in advancing the University’s reputation and brand visibility, developing strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community organizations, and ensuring the integration of fundraising, alumni relations, and communications into a comprehensive advancement strategy. In addition, the Vice President partners with faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders to philanthropic initiatives related to teaching, research, and applied learning priorities that aligns with Cal Poly Humboldt’s academic mission and strategic priorities. The Vice President ensures that advancement activities align with the University’s strategic plan, academic mission, and Cal Poly transformation. The incumbent is dedicated to creating and supporting a collaborative and transparent workplace that promotes shared governance, teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while ensuring accountability, sustainability, and strategic resource development in support of both philanthropy and research innovation. Key Responsibilities Provides executive leadership for fundraising, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Leads cultivation and solicitation of major donors. Works with the President, executive staff, deans, Foundation Board, volunteers, corporations, and community leaders to secure gifts and grants. Guides strategies to increase charitable giving and grant support. Manages Foundation endowment and assets. Designs and executes annual, capital, and special fundraising campaigns. Partners with faculty and administrators to secure external funding and strengthen sponsored programs. Ensures transparency, compliance, and accountability in fundraising and stewardship. Alumni, Community, and External Partnerships – 25% Leads Alumni Relations and lifelong engagement strategies. Expands community partnerships and stakeholder relationships. Strengthens collaborations supporting student success, applied learning, and faculty excellence. Represents the University to alumni, families, donors, businesses, board members, and government representatives. Maintains awareness of higher education and public policy issues. Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management – 15% Provides executive leadership for marketing and communications aligned with advancement priorities. Oversees brand strategy to strengthen regional, national, and international visibility. Aligns communications with fundraising and alumni engagement. Provides executive oversight in crisis communications. Government Relations and Advocacy – 10% Directs government relations strategy with local, state, and federal officials. Advances University priorities through advocacy aligned with CSU initiatives. Secures public support for student success, academic innovation, and applied learning expansion. Leadership, Strategy, and Administration – 10% Leads University Advancement, including Alumni Relations, Development, Government Relations, Initiatives, Sponsored Programs, and Marketing & Communications. Builds a high-performing team; ensures professional development and succession planning. Serves as Executive Director of the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation. Serves as Ex-Officio Director of the Sponsored Programs Foundation Board. Acts as liaison for KHSU. Ensures operational excellence, policy compliance, and high service standards. Other duties as assigned – 5% Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include Strong analytic and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication. Ability to build and lead collaborative teams. Ability to foster relationships with diverse stakeholders. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity. Ability to work effectively in shared governance environments. Knowledge of compliance, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated fundraising success, including major gifts and campaigns. Knowledge of donor databases, prospect research, and CRM systems. Experience collaborating with partners at multiple levels. Experience working with volunteer boards and major donors. Ability to integrate fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing, and communications. Ability to manage challenging situations with a fact-based approach. Commitment to transparency and accountability. Understanding of stewardship and fund compliance requirements. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement or related areas. Minimum 5 years of executive-level experience (e.g., Executive Director, AVP, or VP) overseeing fundraising, alumni relations, marketing/communications, or government/external relations. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in business, public administration, communications, nonprofit management, or related field. CFRE certification or CASE membership. Experience managing a university foundation, including endowment investment and reporting. Success in endowment growth and donor compliance. Executive experience in public relations, brand management, or crisis communication. Advanced degree relevant to advancement. Experience with sponsored program administration and grant management. Success leading capital campaigns and comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Experience in public higher education, preferably CSU or Cal Poly. Experience building corporate, foundation, and government partnerships. Knowledge of advancement and research growth trends. Ability to inspire innovation and accountability in complex institutions. Application Procedure To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button: Letter of Interest Resume or Curriculum Vitae Contact information for at least three supervisory references Application Deadline The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626. #J-18808-Ljbffr