Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the CSUSM Foundation

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) seeks an experienced and aspirational advancement leader to serve as the next vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the CSUSM Foundation (VP) during an exhilarating time of investment and institutional growth.

As a key member of President Neufeldt’s senior management team, the VP will serve as the chief development officer, with responsibility across development (i.e., individual, annual giving programs, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations), campaign communications, alumni engagement, university events, and government relations. The VP will also play a key role in community outreach and engagement. Leading a 41-member team, including seven direct reports, the VP will build on a clear vision and strategy to advance the university’s fundraising aspirations. The university has recently launched the public phase of its most ambitious comprehensive campaign to date. Priority activities for the VP include identifying new sources of philanthropic support, increasing institutional visibility, engaging meaningfully with CSUSM’s regional partners, and securing resources to sustain its strong enrollment growth and academic innovation. The VP will play a vital role in strengthening relationships with CSUSM’s full range of constituent communities and key industry partners, elevating CSUSM’s reputation as a platform for social mobility.

The next VP will lead advancement into a new era through the further refinement of best practices, expansion of the donor pipeline, strengthening of institutional affinity, development and optimization of a high-performing team, and the introduction of fresh and creative ideas that respond to the evolving nature of philanthropy in today’s higher education climate. To that end, the VP will be relied upon as an advisor and counsel to senior leaders on navigating sensitive matters related to external relations, crisis communications, and issues management. Using a collaborative and data-informed approach, the VP will craft outreach, engagement, and fundraising strategies that increase the impact and effectiveness of the advancement enterprise. Additionally, the VP guides and supports the CSUSM Foundation Board, advising on a range of decisions, including those impacting the university’s endowment. The VP must be an exceptional storyteller with superb communication and listening skills, possess the ability to craft compelling cases for support, and build genuine relationships with CSUSM’s broad range of internal and external constituencies. 

The successful candidate will be a proven and collaborative advancement leader with a growth mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and a distinctive record of achievement, including expertise in designing, implementing, and managing fundraising and alumni relations programs. This position requires astute and visionary leadership, exceptional judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external constituents. The ideal candidate will have served in progressive leadership roles within an advancement organization, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex setting, and have clear evidence of personal accomplishments in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at principal gift levels. They must also possess strong managerial, strategic planning, and motivational skills, along with a keen understanding of best practices in fundraising and comprehensive knowledge of an advancement ecosystem. The successful candidate will embody CSUSM’s core values of respect, empathy, and integrity, in addition to demonstrating a deep appreciation and passion for the university’s mission, goals, and unique qualities. A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred. 

The anticipated salary range for this position is $275,000 to $290,000, commensurate with experience and subject to other negotiated benefits. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, expertise, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring range represents CSUSM’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Christina Garrison and Rebecca Lyons.