Vice President University Advancement

Vice President for University Advancement

Job no: 553434
Work type:
Management (MPP)

Location:

Northern California:
Humboldt
Categories:
Bargaining Unit: MPP, Job Search Category/Discipline:
Administrative, Appointment Type:
At-Will, Time Basis:
Full Time, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac):
On-site (work in-person at business location)

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs – all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

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.

• Provides executive leadership for fundraising and donor engagement, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Takes a primary role in the cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
• Works closely with the President, executive staff, deans, Foundation Board, volunteers, corporations, and community leaders in soliciting charitable gifts, pursuing grants, and building support.
• Assists and guides University leadership in implementing strategies to increase charitable giving and grant support.
• Provides leadership and counsel in managing the Foundation's endowment and assets.
• Leads the design and execution of comprehensive fundraising campaigns (annual, capital, and special initiatives) to grow philanthropic support and advance research development initiatives.
• Partners with faculty and administrators to secure external funding that strengthens sponsored programs and fosters long‑term research growth.
• Ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance in all fundraising and donor stewardship practices.

• Provides executive…