Assistant Vice President, Development

California State University, Monterey Bay (Cal State Monterey Bay) seeks an experienced, strategic, and collaborative fundraising professional to serve as its next assistant vice president, development (AVP). Reporting to and partnering closely with Cal State Monterey Bay’s vice president for university advancement (VP), Michael LaPlante, the AVP is an integral member of the advancement executive team and will provide strategic leadership to and overall supervision of Cal State Monterey Bay’s development team.

The AVP joins Cal State Monterey Bay at an exciting moment, as efforts are underway to publicly launch the university’s second comprehensive campaign. Overseeing a team of five, the AVP will direct and execute strategic data-informed strategies to strengthen systems, processes, and policies, supporting enhanced performance and productivity across development. An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, the AVP will inspire trust to establish and deepen critical relationships with senior academic and administrative leaders across campus. In addition to personally managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors, the AVP will develop and execute strategies to grow the university’s donor base and strengthen relationships within the Monterey Bay community, cultivating a robust culture of philanthropy both on campus and beyond. In partnership with the VP, the AVP will lead and manage the comprehensive campaign by ensuring that all campus constituents are informed, actively engaged, and collaborating effectively in support of campaign priorities. The AVP will contribute to developing the strategy, messaging, and implementation plan for launching the public phase of the campaign and oversee its execution to maximize visibility, participation, and philanthropic support.

The ideal candidate must possess demonstrated and progressive fundraising leadership experience, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in an academic setting and a campaign environment. With a keen understanding of fundraising best practices, the AVP will have a proven track record of program building and fundraising success in securing major and principal gift commitments from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The AVP will be adept at motivating, empowering, and advocating for staff, as well as facilitating cohesion and team success. The AVP must be a responsive and collaborative team player, a strong relationship-builder, as well as demonstrate the credibility, maturity, and sophistication necessary to effectively engage with senior leaders and diverse groups of internal and external constituents. The successful candidate will reflect and embody the core values of Cal State Monterey Bay by serving the university with authenticity and humility, demonstrating integrity, trust, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and professionalism to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external constituents. This individual must bring a deep appreciation and passion for the mission, goals, and uniqueness of Cal State Monterey Bay. A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Full details on the scope and required experience, qualifications, and compensation are located in the position profile.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Maureen Bogdan and Caroline Corry.

Cal State Monterey Bay is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.