Vice President for University Advancement
(Administrator IV)
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hiring salary is $240,000 - $270,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and serving as a member of his executive cabinet, the VP provides vision and leadership for the advancement division in support of Fresno State’s mission and priorities as identified through the forthcoming strategic plan. The VP has central responsibility for the management and coordination of all fundraising and alumni relations activities and initiatives across the university, ensuring that the division is a responsive partner and works collaboratively with the president’s cabinet taking a team-approach across all divisions of the university to work effectively in an environment that is primarily focused on student success and celebrates excellence, diversity, sustainability, collegiality, and shared governance.
The vice president is also responsible for providing strategic vision and effective leadership for the UA division. This individual will recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff, defining mutually acceptable annual and long-term performance goals; ensure an optimal organizational structure; and engage, educate, and otherwise support staff, faculty, volunteers, and senior leaders in their respective engagement and fundraising efforts. In addition, the vice president will lead by example, personally participating in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of high-level donors and prospects. In addition to these formal duties, the vice president will be an integral member of the Fresno State and the CSU system-wide community.
Key Qualifications
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The successful VP will be a community-focused, collaborative, and innovative leader with a record of supporting a diverse student and alumni body. The successful candidate will possess many of the following professional qualifications and personal qualities:
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A thorough understanding of and appreciation for Fresno State’s and the Valley’s history, achievements, and future aspirations, and the ability to effectively articulate the president’s vision to a diverse audience; a demonstrated track record of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience in development (including individual, corporate and foundation relations, deferred giving, grant development and annual programs, and a thorough understanding of gift management and stewardship), preferably within higher education or a large, multi-unit organization; experience and background in serving on a senior leadership team to contribute and partner at the strategic level; depth of knowledge in all key areas of development; a demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and successfully conclude a comprehensive campaign.
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Proven ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gifts at the six-, seven- and eight-figure levels.
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The political savvy to navigate a complex academic community; proven success creating a team- and goal-oriented environment that supports staff through active communication, and that builds confidence, promotes diversity of thought, and celebrates accomplishments; a successful track record of building and maintaining strong, diverse, and highly productive teams.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple highly visible projects and competing priorities simultaneously; integrity and sound judgment; ability to supervise the work of staff and recommend appropriate personnel actions; strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
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Exemplary communication skills, both oral and written; superior interpersonal skills underscoring the ability to listen effectively to various constituents and interests and cultivate cohesive and effective working relationships, partnerships, and coalitions amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, students, alumni, donors, and other internal and external university and community partners.
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The ability to provide leadership in the use of technology and information systems to support all related development activities, including donor research and administration. Familiarity with new technologies, metrics, data analytics, electronic communication, social networking vehicles, and other innovations that can streamline and enhance the effectiveness of the advancement process. Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite required. Ellucian Advance experience highly preferred.
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Experience working in a unionized environment, and a strong personal orientation toward collaboration, teamwork, accessibility, accountability, equity, and a growth mindset alongside a demonstrated commitment to the principles of shared governance.
To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.
Education and Experience
- A bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience in development (including individual, corporate and foundation relations, deferred giving, grant development and annual programs, and a thorough understanding of gift management and stewardship), preferably within higher education or a large, multi-unit organization
Department Summary
University Advancement works collaboratively across campus and within the division to offer meaningful ways for alumni, friends and partners to get involved with Fresno State. Providing engagement opportunities is a primary role of the division, which is believed to help deepen loyalty to Fresno State and its mission.
Deadline & Application Instructions
Applications received by May 29, 2023 will be given full consideration by the search committee.
- Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.
Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State
California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.
Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
Vaccination Interim Policy
CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.
Supplemental Information
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.
Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.
Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)