Associate Vice President for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $150,000 - $180,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns reports to the Vice President for University Advancement (VP) and serves on the University Advancement Executive Team. In collaboration with the VP the AVP will lead and manage approximately 12 staff. Direct reports to the AVP include the Directors of planned giving; academic units, centers & institutes; student affairs; and central development.

The AVP will actively participate in devising strategies and setting goals that achieve institutional objectives; implement a robust system of metrics and accountability measures to provide professional growth and personally manage a select portfolio of high-level prospects and philanthropic partners. As Fresno State plans and executes major multi-year comprehensive campaign(s), the AVP will educate, mentor, and advise staff, faculty, volunteers, and senior leadership to prepare them for active participation in the comprehensive campaign(s). The AVP will be a significant contributor to the planning, execution, and successful completion of the comprehensive campaign(s). In addition to formal duties, the AVP must be a leader and role model for colleagues, staff, and students; and become an active, integral member of the campus, local, and regional communities.

Key Qualifications

• A deep appreciation of and passion for the mission and aspirations of Fresno State, as well as the ability to articulate its uniqueness, importance, and relevance to all constituencies.
• Successful record of personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors at high six- and seven-figure levels.
• The ability to inspire philanthropic support from high-net worth individuals, corporations, and major foundations.
• Proven success building or expanding a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising enterprise and fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• A transparent, collaborative leadership style with superb decision-making and follow-up skills
• Commitment to working in a team environment with shared goals; sound-judgment and integrity; willingness to try new approaches and take appropriate risks; and a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission and objectives of the institution.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, across a diverse range of educational, cultural, and social backgrounds; respect and appreciation for each individual.
• Superior strategist with a holistic understanding of all aspects of development, volunteer management, and donor relations.
• The intellectual depth, maturity, and confidence to establish credibility and garner the trust of volunteers, donors, senior leadership, academic partners, colleagues, and staff.
• Superior listener; clear, crisp, and compelling written and verbal communication; effective, charismatic, and inspiring in public presentations.
• A keen eye for operational efficiency and optimal use of resources; the ability to develop, monitor, and effectively manage a budget.
• A sense of humor, a humble approach, and a level of comfort with ambiguity; an outgoing and positive personality.
• Willing and able to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed, to meet donors or otherwise represent the university.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising and management experience, preferably in a large, public university setting.
• Significant experience planning and executing a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign.
  • Preferred Qualification:
    • A graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Department Summary

University Advancement’s mission is to inspire and increase philanthropy for Fresno State by putting the philanthropic partner at the center of what University Advancement does, thereby focusing on the philanthropic partner being the hero of their own story. The division works with alumni, friends, and the greater Fresno community to elevate Fresno State through their engagement with the University. Providing engagement opportunities is a primary role of the division, which advances Fresno State and elevates Fresno State students and the Valley. University Advancement focuses on engaging University constituents with the strong Fresno State brand and deepening the bond alumni, friends, and the communities with the University.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website using the link below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

imsearch.com/open-searches/
cal-state-fresno/avp-development-and-comprehensive-campaigns

Rachel Ellenport, Partner

Christina Garrison, Senior Associate

Rebecca Lyons, Search Coordinator

Isaacson, Miller

Please click “” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated 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.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: Apr 18 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Cal State University (CSU) Fresno

559.278.4240