Vice President of - Cal State Fullerton

At a glance

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 is a career-defining opportunity to lead 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 aVice President of Advancement to join theirteam in Fullerton, California.

A Defining Leadership Opportunity at a Pivotal Moment

CSU Fullerton invites applications and nominations for the Vice President for University Advancement, a cabinet-level role offering the opportunity to shape the next chapter of philanthropic growth, alumni engagement, and community impact at one of the nation’s most influential public universities serving more than 43,000 students.

With the arrival of a new President in 2024 and a strong advancement foundation already in place, this role offers a well-positioned, forward-looking opportunity with real influence, visibility, and legacy potential.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• 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. It is 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.

For the right leader, this is more than a career-step; it is a career-defining opportunity.

The Advancement Platform

CSU Fullerton’s advancement enterprise is comprehensive, mature, and poised for continued growth. The 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.

Leadership and Collaboration

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.

Qualification sand Experience

The successful candidate 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 is highly desirable

• Demonstrated successleadinga 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,…