Associate Vice President for Development

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in the search for an Associate Vice President for Development.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President for Development will serve as the chief development officer for California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt), responsible for the analysis and implementation of all major gift fundraising programs including special giving, major giving, principle giving, planned giving, and prospect research and management. The Associate Vice President will lead the development staff to set and meet both long-term and annual fundraising goals and establish effective relationships with donors, alumni, and the community to generate private financial support. The Associate Vice President will maintain, cultivate, and solicit their own assigned prospects and will work closely with the President, Vice Presidents, and other university leadership to manage their donor relationships. Working in partnership with the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President will be responsible for establishing metrics for success and leading a cohesive, collaborative, and strategic fundraising team. The Associate Vice President will set the strategic direction for the university’s campaign, including major gifts and comprehensive programs and will strengthen and advance campaign strategies. The Associate Vice President, in conjunction with university leadership, will develop and manage the campaign strategic plan, strengthen volunteer structures and staff roles in campaign strategies and policies, and provide supervisory functions for all major gift officers.

Cal Poly Humboldt is a public institution and part of the 23-campus California State University system. Surrounded by ancient redwood forests, pristine coastline, and wild rivers, the approximately 5,700 students enrolled at the institution can choose from nearly 60 majors and 13 graduate programs. Students receive personal attention in small classes where professors know them by name. Programs in natural resources and sciences are nationally known, and students find a long-standing commitment to social and environmental responsibility throughout the curriculum. There are also plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning—on the Coral Sea, an ocean-going vessel used for undergraduate research, or studying with the world’s foremost expert on redwood trees and with leading experts in sustainable energy systems. The cutting-edge Fire Lab allows students to study the properties of forest fires and they can study the mechanics of walking in the Human Performance Lab. The Schatz Energy Research Center and the Child Development Lab, among many others specialized facilities, offer additional experiential learning opportunities. A rich campus life provides a multitude of activities outside the classroom.

With faculty members who are among the top teachers and researchers in their fields, it is no surprise that Cal Poly Humboldt receives national recognition. Recently named a top western university by U.S. News & World Report, the institution is also considered a “Best in the West” college by Princeton Review. The same publication also named Cal Poly Humboldt to its “Green College” list. It has appeared on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and was named a military friendly school by G.I. Jobs magazine. Additional rankings include a top vegan-friendly school by PETA and a top LGBT-friendly school by Campus Pride.

Cal Poly Humboldt honors and affirms the dignity inherent in all people, and it strives to maintain a climate of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. It is committed to freedom of expression, critical discourse, and the advancement of knowledge. It strives to overcome historical and divisive biases in its community and society. The university welcomes, values, and affirms all members of the community, including their various abilities, contributions, ideas, intersectional identities, skills, and talents. It creates and nurtures environments that support the living, well-being, and belonging of all community members, with particular focus on minoritized groups.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required for this position as is at leave five years of experience in development including three years of management experience.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1204.