Vice President for University Advancement

California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) is seeking a talented, energetic and experienced professional to join the campus community as its vice president for university advancement (VPUA).

As California’s capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing students for leadership, service and success. Sacramento State is located on a beautiful 300-acre, tree-lined campus adjacent to the American River, about five miles east of the State Capitol. Established in 1947, it is the seventh-largest of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. With faculty, students and staff working at the confluence of knowledge, passion, innovation and real-world learning, Sacramento State offers a truly transformative educational experience to its over 30,000 students—an experience enriched at every turn by the arts, culture, altruism, diversity, natural campus beauty and a community committed to educational excellence. As a top regional four-year comprehensive public university offering programs in business, education, engineering, health, the humanities, public policy and science, Sacramento State is the place to “Redefine the Possible,” the University’s tagline. Sacramento State alumni—one out of every 20 area residents—make up the heart of the region’s workforce and some of its finest leaders who are driven to make a difference in their communities.

As the institution’s chief fundraising officer, the VPUA will provide leadership and direction for the University Advancement division consisting of university development, alumni relations and annual giving, and advancement communications and stewardship. Reporting directly to the president, the VPUA is an active member and participant of the president’s cabinet and designs and executes the strategic vision for fundraising and alumni relations in alignment with the university’s values, aspirations and priorities. The VPUA serves as the executive officer of the institution’s foundation and provides leadership to dedicated volunteers, alumni and friends of the institution as the campus embarks on its “On the Rise” campaign. The $200 million campaign is in its planning stages and has raised more than $41 million toward its goal in the first two years of the campaign. The eight-year campaign runs through June 30, 2023.

The VPUA will be an experienced and successful major and principal gift fundraiser with at least six to eight years of progressively responsible, hands-on leadership experience in a development program of similar or greater complexity and scope. Successful management of a major comprehensive campaign is highly preferred. He or she will resonate with the student-focused mission of Sacramento State and demonstrate significant desire and ability to engage with the community. Experience working directly with and managing the activities of a volunteer board, executive campaign committee and other principal gift prospects is required, as is the ability to integrate strategically activities across the department, institution and community. A high level of energy, focus and the intellectual capacity to effectively partner with the president, cabinet, deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members of diverse backgrounds is vital. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by July 10, 2017. Candidates should provide a resume, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile and the names and contact information of five references. Candidate confidentiality will be respected and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Inquiries and application materials should be sent via email to the search consultants, Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D, Suzanne Teer and Sophie Stava of Witt/Kieffer, at SacStateVPUA@wittkieffer.com. Questions may also be directed to the consultants through the office of Eden Stroud at 630-575-6154.

Documents that must be mailed may be sent to: Witt/Kieffer, c/o Eden Stroud, 2015 Spring Road, Suite 510, Oak Brook, IL 60523. 

The university is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.