Vice President for University Relations and Advancement

Vice President for University Relations and Advancement

CSUN's Commitment to You
CSUN is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. Our values include a respect for all people, building partnerships with the community and the encouragement of innovation, experimentation and creativity. CSUN strives to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. CSUN is especially interested in candidates who make contributions to equity and inclusion in the pursuit of excellence for all members of the university community.

The University:
One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students annually and counts more than 330,000 alumni who elevate Southern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 11,700 jobs each year. The LAEDC recognized CSUN as its 2015 Eddy Award winner for its positive economic impact. Serving more students on Pell Grants than any other institution in California, CSUN is also a social elevator and one of the most diverse universities in the country. CSUN ranks 13th in awarding bachelor's degrees to underrepresented minority students and seventh in bachelor's degrees to Latino students, serves the 13th largest Jewish student population, and enrolls the largest number of students who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing of any U.S. state university. The journal Nature recently named CSUN a Rising Star for scientific research, and the NSF ranks CSUN in the top five nationally among similar institutions for graduates who go on to earn doctorates in the sciences. CSUN is where individuals rise. And through them, so does Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

The Position of Vice President for University Relations and Advancement (VPURA):
The VPURA will lead the University Relations and Advancement team of approximately 95 dedicated and highly committed advancement professionals, cultivating a strong, cohesive team focused on inclusivity, quality and longevity. They will recruit and retain successful advancement professionals to ensure the team's continued growth and success. The VPURA will demonstrate a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion and racial equity; and the ability to be a strong advocate for higher education, particularly for a student-focused, minority-serving institution. The VPURA will oversee the direction and execution of the university's comprehensive campaign. Working closely with the president, Foundation Board, and a volunteer leadership committee, the VPURA will be responsible for leading campaign fundraising strategy, including donor identification, cultivation and solicitation; establishing and articulating clear campaign goals and objectives; and motivating and inspiring team members, volunteers, donors, and the campus toward overall campaign success.

The VPURA will serve as a strategic advisor to the president on philanthropic initiatives, priorities and community engagement and will prioritize partnering across the university to achieve institutional fundraising goals. The VPURA will carry a portfolio of major donor prospects, partnering closely with the president on cultivation and stewardship opportunities. The VPURA will lead the URA division in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, recognizing and stewarding donors to build momentum and growth in philanthropic giving. The VPURA will be a visible campus leader with the community and promote and advocate for CSUN. They will actively engage and empower the alumni base as advocates and champions for the institution. The VPURA is expected to increase connections and partnerships with business and industry to expand the network of community friends and donors. The VPURA will be regularly engaged with local, state and national elected and public officials to advocate and promote the promise of higher education for CSUN's students. Leading a vibrant communications and marketing team, the VPURA will design and execute strategies to promote the university's positive reputation, image and mission, expanding the transformative impact of a CSUN education across the state, nation and globe. As a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPURA will contribute to and drive a positive culture, exemplifying the attributes of the campus Leadership Principles and will encourage and model collaboration within the division and between the division and other campus divisions and departments. As a champion of the CSU, the VPURA will collaborate with systemwide colleagues to advance the mission and recognition of the transformative impact of the CSU across the state and nation. The VPURA will work in alignment and as a partner on the initiatives, goals and systemwide policies in accomplishing their work.

Qualifications:
A Bachelor's Degree with required experience. A successful record of at least five years of significant and progressive leadership in fundraising, preferably fundraising within a university and system environment, advancement and/or a related field are required. At least three years in frontline fundraising at the major and principal gift levels. A strong record of commitment to equity, inclusion and student success and deep appreciation for the richly diverse student population that CSUN serves. Preferred qualifications include: Successful management of a major fundraising campaign; experience leading the activities of a volunteer foundation board and/or executive campaign committee; track record of successfully integrating strategic activities across the department, institution and community around a shared vision for success. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate in a clear, consistent and transparent manner to create shared goals and understanding. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with leadership to build bridges and relationships within an institution or organization. A high level of energy, focus and the capacity to effectively partner with the president, cabinet, deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members of diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated success in leading a team and the willingness to serve as a motivator and mentor to staff while achieving university, division and unit goals.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.

Effective Date of Appointment: As soon as possible.

How to Apply: The University is being assisted by Academic Search, Inc. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter, a curriculum vitae and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: CSUNVPURA@academicsearch.org.

The position is open until filled but only applications received by Friday, September 24, can be assured full consideration. Additional qualifications and responsibilities can be found at https://academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/8438/?search=8438. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Die Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org. Further information about California State University Northridge is available at http://csun.edu/.

Background check: This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of candidates who apply for the position.

CANRA: The person holding this position will be considered a 'limited reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest: This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Equal Employment Opportunity: CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in CSU Executive Order 1096. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Recruitment Services at 818-677-2101.





jeid-8530148a29504bfbb7dfc338b0aec1f5