Vice President for University Relations

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the University of Portland in its search for a Vice President for University Relations.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for University Relations—serving as the University's chief development officer—will oversee all activities related to development, alumni and parent relations, and events for the University. The Vice President will work to build a strong and deeply embedded culture of philanthropy throughout the University while contributing as a member of the President's Leadership Cabinet to effectively promote and achieve the University’s priorities and mission. The Vice President will oversee and support the development, implementation, oversight, measurement, and assessment of strategic initiatives, plans, policies, and processes on behalf of University Relations and work closely with the President, Board of Regents, faculty, staff, and key stakeholders to strengthen the University’s development and alumni relations programs to ensure the growth of the University's overall philanthropic activity.

The University of Portland (UP) is a thriving community of more than 4,000 students who come from around the nation and the world. The University, located on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River and the City of Portland, provides the school’s nickname, “The Bluff.” UP is Oregon’s only comprehensive university with schools of business, education, engineering, nursing, a College of Arts and Sciences, and a graduate school. There are more than 40 undergraduate programs and 30 minors, as well as 18 graduate programs, and more than 1,300 courses. The University features small class settings with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and award-winning faculty. A belief that education takes place both inside and outside the classroom results in a strong emphasis on residential living with 94 percent of first year students, and 57 percent of the total student body living in one of the University’s 10 residence halls. This commitment to an education outside the classroom means a wide variety of extra-curricular programming is offered, including an inclusive Campus Ministry program; local, national, and international volunteer opportunities; fitness, intramurals, and outdoor activities; and an active student government. Fielding 16 intercollegiate teams, the Portland Pilots are members of the West Coast Conference and compete at the NCAA Division I level. The students and athletes of the University of Portland are supported by 37,000 alumni, more than half of whom reside in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area.

For 26 consecutive years, the University has earned a top-10 ranking by US News & World Report in the “Regional Universities—West” classification, including the number three spot in its 2021 rankings. For nine consecutive years, the University of Portland has been the top Oregon school in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance annual ranking of best values in private universities. Bloomberg Businessweek has named the University the top school in Oregon for “return on investment” for three consecutive years. The University of Portland has also been named a top Fulbright producer with 68 student Fulbright Award recipients since 2001.

The University of Portland's belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least ten years of prior experience leading successful development and alumni engagement programs. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of University of Portland, the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the prospectus with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1130