Posting Detail Information

Working TitleVice President for University Advancement

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Posting Number202401548AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleExecutive II

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40+

Proposed Annual Salary Range$375,000 - $400,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/15/2024

Description of Work Unit

Who We Are

Located in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU is a premier land-grant university with world-class programs in education, outreach, and research. CSU has a student body of over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, 250,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures of roughly a half-billion dollars. Guided by the five supporting Principles of Community: Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice, the University constantly pursues its mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement.

Within CSU , the Division of University Advancement is integral to achieving and sustaining the University’s institutional excellence through fundraising and engagement efforts. Our purpose is to connect our alumni, friends, industry partners, and foundations with the university to raise necessary financial support to advance the University’s mission and vision. With one of the leading development teams in the country, the Division most recently reached its $1 billion fundraising campaign goal 19 months ahead of schedule.

Position Summary

The Vice President for University Advancement ( VPUA ) maintains a deep commitment to CSU’s tradition and innovation in order to engage alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations to raise the financial support necessary to advance the University’s mission and vision. They lead the team that builds relationships and connects donors and their unique interests to CSU students, faculty, and programs. Private support is integral to CSU’s mission by providing access to leading faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research, financial support, student support and programs driven by industry demand.

The VPUA oversees the four areas of advancement: alumni relations, development (including the college/unit development teams), central advancement services and constituent engagement. The VPUA will manage the leaders in these areas to integrate their distinct goals and strategic plans into a comprehensive advancement initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:Develop and implement a robust advancement strategy that aligns with the university’s strategic goals and enhances its fundraising capacity. Engage effectively with a range of internal (faculty, academic and administrative leadership) and external constituents in a variety of settings to which build trust, inspire confidence, and motivate others.

• Donor Relations:Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, potential supporters, and donors at all levels, ensuring effective engagement and stewardship.

• Fundraising Campaigns:Oversee the planning and execution of major fundraising campaigns, including capital campaigns, annual giving programs, and special initiatives.

• Team Management:Lead and mentor a team of 150+, fostering a culture of achievement and excellence. Attract and retain top talent.

• Collaboration:Serve as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, working collaboratively with high-performing University leaders to reach shared goals.

• Publicity:Represent the university at events and meetings, effectively communicating its vision, needs, and achievements to diverse audiences. This will require 30-50% travel.

• Reporting:Provide regular updates to stakeholders on fundraising progress and financial metrics.

A signing bonus and relocation funds may be offered for successful eligible candidates.

Required Job Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor’s degree required

• Experience:Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in advancement, fundraising or related areas in higher education or at a comparable environment, with at least 5 of those years in as a senior leader. Candidates should also have held a senior leadership role in a $1B fundraising campaign.

• Skills:Proven track record of successful major gift fundraising, strategic planning, and team leadership. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; a strong storyteller who can inspire diverse constituencies to engage with, and support, an organization.

• Knowledge:Deep understanding of current trends and best practices in advancement and philanthropy. Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and management of a sophisticated advancement program (including prospect research and portfolio/moves management, annual giving, major and planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, endowment, alumni engagement, stewardship, advancement infrastructure and operations, and volunteer leadership) or relevant experience in developing and growing a resource-development program in relevant field.

• Attributes:Strategic thinker, results-oriented, with understanding of and commitment to the legal and ethical aspects of fundraising; highest integrity.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Education:Master’s or higher and/or CFRE or other fundraising certification.

• Experience: Change management experience within a large, complex organization. Ability to create a positive, supportive, and inclusive organizational culture.

• Skills:Proven ability to make important decisions about the advancement program and resource-deployment choices based on a combination of logic, data, analysis, and experience.

• Attributes:Commitment to diversity and inclusion demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity outcomes or demonstrated success in engaging historically under-engaged donors and communities. A passion for higher education and a commitment to the university’s mission and values.

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryExecutive Leadership

Duty/Responsibility

• Oversee the four areas of advancement: alumni relations, development (including the college/unit development teams), central advancement services, and constituent engagement. The VPA will manage the leaders in these areas to integrate their distinct goals and strategic plans into a comprehensive advancement operation;

• Report to the President and actively participate on their leadership team which includes sitting on the president’s cabinet and operations committee. Accordingly, provide relevant professional insight and advice based on a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in higher education;

• Be responsible for short and long range planning and goal setting for the division, including setting and realizing goals and objectives, performance metrics (fundraising and otherwise), allocating budget and authorizing the strategic direction of units;

• Orchestrate the participation of the president and senior administrators in advancement activities. Provide focus for their efforts so that their time spent is productive, meaningful, and personally rewarding;

• Play an instrumental leadership role for the institution in working with the president, deans, and unit directors to reach their philanthropic and outreach goals;

• Provide leadership for multi-million dollar solicitations and the orchestration of complex philanthropic gifts;

• Provide leadership and strategic advice on other areas as deemed necessary by the President.

Percentage Of Time40%

Job Duty CategoryFundraising and Constituent Relations

Duty/Responsibility

• Organize and develop a strategy for leveraging the strong relationships the president has with many key donors and facilitate their management of a portfolio of major gift prospects;

• Foster collaboration and coordination among colleges/units with alumni relation activities, donor engagement, events and development activities. Ensure that these efforts are well coordinated and support the strategic priorities of the university

• Develop strong and mutually beneficial relationships with external contacts and constituents on behalf of CSU ;

• Act as an ambassador for CSU travelling throughout Colorado, the United States, and around the globe as necessary, building relationships with the university’s alumni, donors, prospects and friends;

• Manage a personal portfolio of at least 50 major gift donors, conduct a minimum of 75 face to face visits annually, and be responsible for raising a minimum of $5M annually;

• Tactically plan and execute all phases of a successful, comprehensive fundraising campaign;

• Strategically generate new ideas, set goals and objectives, and build consensus among campus stakeholders around cultivation and proposal strategies.

Percentage Of Time35%

Job Duty CategoryManagement

Duty/Responsibility

• Ensure that the services offered by central advancement team uphold the university’s policies and procedures, add value to the college/unit partners, and are efficient and customer/donor friendly;

• Oversee and monitor the management and administrative infrastructure necessary to achieve fundraising expectations;

• Be responsible for the prudent oversight of all administrative and financial functions of each advancement unit;

• Ensure that university policies and procedures related to advancement are upheld, reviewed and revised as needed (i.e. university naming policy);

• Set the standard for what it means to be a CSU advancement professional. Be an active participant in retaining and attracting top advancement talent.

Percentage Of Time20%

Job Duty CategoryBoard Relations

Duty/Responsibility

• Serve as Ex-Officio Member on the CSU Foundation Board.

Percentage Of Time5%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Excited about this role even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification? We are most interested in finding exceptional candidates and seek to make space for unique and relevant skills and attributes, including those coming from less traditional backgrounds. CSU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where unique experiences are valued and everyone has the opportunity to contribute. When you apply, rest assured that your application will be reviewed by a person and will be considered based on competencies needed for success in the position.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A resume

• A detailed cover letter that tells us how your background and experience align with the listed qualifications of the position.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Travel - 30-50%

Search ContactTalent Acquisition, hr_ta@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents