Vice President for University Advancement

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Sonoma State University in the search for a Vice President for University Advancement. Sonoma State is entering an exciting new chapter under President Michael Spagna's leadership, with a clear vision centered on student success, regional impact, innovation, and community engagement.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for University Advancement (Vice President) will provide vision, inspiration, leadership, planning, and management for University Advancement in support of the institutional mission and priorities articulated in the University's strategic and master plans. The Vice President will provide executive leadership for the University Advancement Division, including philanthropy, alumni engagement, advancement operations, marketing and strategic communications, and the Sonoma State University Foundation. The Vice President will coordinate advancement initiatives with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and the Green Music Center to advance institutional priorities, the University's academic mission, student success, and long-term sustainability. They will be responsible for over $75 million in assets and a current annual fundraising revenue goal of $10 million.

The Vice President will actively manage a personal portfolio of individual and institutional prospects through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and the successful closing of major and planned gifts. The Vice President will partner closely with the President in advancement activities, manages engagement at the highest level with prospects, build volunteer and philanthropic leadership for the institution, and support Board members and other volunteer leaders in coordinated fundraising activities. The Vice President will also collaborate with colleagues throughout the California State University system in support of campus and systemwide advancement endeavors. The Vice President will understand and operate effectively in an environment strongly focused on student success and which celebrates excellence, collegiality, inclusion, and shared governance.

Sonoma State University is a distinctive public university where students know their professors, leadership knows its students, and community partnerships shape the educational experience. First-time visitors to Sonoma State University repeatedly remark: I had no idea how beautiful the campus is! But seeing is believing, and SSU's visitors fall in love with SSU's stunning natural beauty. The University's 269 acres, tucked against the rolling Sonoma hills, is full of spacious green spaces, lakes, trees, and flowers, which attract a bounty of butterflies to the campus Butterfly Garden. Walking around campus, one cannot help but get caught up in an obvious inquisitive spirit and the incredible sense of community that radiates from SSU's students, faculty, and staff.

The University operates as part of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system, the largest four-year system of higher education in the United States. Though one of the smallest CSU institutions, SSU enjoys one of the highest number of students who live on campus (35% percent). Roughly 75% percent of first-year students come from outside the North Bay region. Many classes have fewer than 40 students, enabling close interaction between students and faculty.

At Sonoma State University, excellence extends far beyond the classroom. Consistently recognized among the top universities in the California State University system, SSU stands out for its graduation rates, national accolades in student success and equity, and a vibrant campus life. Their commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and inclusion, paired with a supportive community, empowers every student to thrive both on campus and in their future.

A bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in the advancement field, including a minimum of five years leading and/or supervising the work of others, is required. Sonoma State University will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to SSU, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and rsum. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Sonoma State University and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $250,000 to $270,000. This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

Sonoma State is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Millie Taylor at View email address on click.appcast.io.

To apply for this position, visit:

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