AVP, University Advancement

Job Summary

Leads an efficient and effective team in university advancement while providing strategic planning, execution, delivery and oversight for management and coordination of constituency-based fundraising programs, including all individual and event fundraising activities. Provides leadership and management of campus-wide development staff in consultation with the deans. Responsible for raising significant philanthropic support by carrying a personal major and principal gift portfolio. Performs other functionally related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in business administration, communications, or related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience as a development professional in a complex advancement operation.
• Five (5) of the eight (8) years must be in a supervisory role.
• Ability to travel for work (10% estimated).
• Availability to work and attend evening and weekend events.
• Experience in securing $1M+ gifts and managing complex, multi-year solicitations.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to establish and maintain driver eligibility under the CSU’s Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, communications, or related field.
• Supervisory experience leading groups of five (5) or more direct reports.
• Experience with complex advancement operations in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong analytical and financial skills.
• Ability to assess fundraising, feasibility, ROI, and pipeline health.
• Skills in direct fundraising, managing campaigns, communications, and working with volunteers.
• Knowledge of planned giving and major gift fundraising and alumni engagement.
• Skills in a broad institutional perspective, excellent writing, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic insight with ability to analyze organizational issues and develop strategic plans; ability to adapt, effect change and manage innovation.
• Ability to manage multiple complex issues and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a deadline-oriented workplace and an evolving customer service-oriented environment.
• Ability to provide strategic operating of business growth and leadership in building partnerships that are large in scale and scope.
• Ability to innovate new and progressive growth, while ensuring full commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Able to have an executive vision, including the ability to articulate the vision, create a strategy behind the vision and be able to align a team in achieving that vision.
• Must have exceptional insight and discernment skills.