Vice President of - Cal State Fullerton

Vice President of Advancement – Cal State Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton is seeking a Vice President for University Advancement to join the President’s Cabinet at a pivotal moment for the University. This career‑defining opportunity leads advancement at scale, shaping philanthropic strategy, alumni engagement, and external partnerships for one of the largest and most influential public universities in the country.

Serving more than 43,000 students, CSU Fullerton offers a rare opportunity to partner closely with executive leadership, lead a comprehensive advancement enterprise, and drive philanthropic outcomes that meaningfully expand access, opportunity, and institutional capacity across Southern California.

Another Source’s client, Cal State Fullerton, is recruiting a Vice President of Advancement to join their team in Fullerton, California.

• Partner with a new President during a formative period.
• Lead advancement at scale with strong institutional support.
• Shape philanthropic strategy that advances student success and social mobility.
• Build a visible and lasting legacy at a nationally recognized public university.

Why This Role?

Why Now – this is not a turnaround assignment but an opportunity to help define direction, strengthen alignment, and elevate ambition during a period of presidential leadership transition and institutional planning.

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for University Advancement serves on the President’s Cabinet and Advisory Board and plays a central role in institution‑wide strategy. The incumbent’s transition to the Chancellor’s Office reflects the caliber of leadership at CSU Fullerton and creates a rare opening to build upon strong momentum while contributing new vision and strategy.

CSU Fullerton’s advancement enterprise is comprehensive, mature, and poised for continued growth. Vice President provides executive leadership for:

• Comprehensive fundraising and development.
• Alumni relations and engagement.
• Government and community relations.
• Advancement operations and communications.
• Several premier university events.
• Oversight of the University’s endowment through the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation.

The Vice President also serves as Executive Director of the Philanthropic Foundation, partnering with an engaged board and managing endowment and operating budgets, while maintaining a personal portfolio of major donors.

CSU Fullerton values leadership that is collaborative, ethical, and grounded in inclusive excellence. The Vice President for University Advancement works closely with deans, faculty leadership, shared governance bodies, and senior administrators to advance institutional priorities.

Successful candidates will bring experience and leadership presence commensurate with the scope and visibility of Cal State Fullerton.

• At least ten years of progressive advancement or development experience, with senior‑level leadership exposure; experience with a major or comprehensive capital campaign highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success leading a comprehensive advancement enterprise, preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to build support for annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and major gifts.
• A strong track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts aligned with institutional priorities.
• Experience recruiting, developing, and leading high‑performing advancement teams in complex organizations.
• Exceptional communication skills with diverse internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated effectiveness as a senior institutional leader, including strategic planning and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to work productively within a shared governance environment.
• Capacity to engage faculty, staff, volunteers, and alumni in advancement efforts.
• Working knowledge of advancement systems and data‑informed fundraising strategies.
• A clear understanding of the strategic role of alumni relations in comprehensive advancement.

Located in Orange County, CSU Fullerton offers access to a dynamic region…