Vice Chancellor for Development & Alumni Engagement

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) seeks an aspirational, creative, and collaborative vice chancellor for development and alumni engagement (VC) to lead a new era of innovation and sustainability for UCR’s fundraising, alumni, and constituent relations.

Operating as one of ten campuses in the University of California system, the world’s leading public research system, UCR is a premier R1 research university and member of the Association of American Universities. UCR is a national leader for social mobility and student success, proudly ranked number one in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Located on nearly 1,200 acres in Southern California’s Inland Empire, UCR has more than 1,200 faculty—including two Nobel laureates and 15 National Academy members—serving over 27,000 students and 160,000 alumni. Its unique and diverse student body includes 49.1% first‑generation undergraduates and 47.7% Pell Grant recipients, which is more than nearly every other university in the country.

Joining UCR at a transformative moment, marked by the recent appointment of Chancellor S. Jack Hu, the incoming VC will partner closely with a committed and visionary leader early in his tenure to advance impactful fundraising, engagement, and growth, including initiatives set forth in the UCR 2030 strategic plan and the burgeoning UCR Health enterprise. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to galvanize and inspire UCR’s valued alumni, parents, friends, and civic and industry partners to propel the university forward as it embarks on an exciting new chapter to amplify its academic excellence, commitment to social mobility, and impact as a major economic driver for the Inland Empire. The VC will be instrumental in redefining and cultivating UCR’s culture of philanthropy, unlocking its potential for an ambitious, comprehensive campaign.

As a critical member of Chancellor Hu’s cabinet, the VC will serve as the chief development and engagement officer, overseeing UCR’s development, alumni engagement, development services, the division’s finance and administration, university events, and the UCR Foundation. Providing direction to nearly 100 staff, including seven direct reports, the VC will design and execute a comprehensive strategy to meet the university’s fundraising aspirations in tandem with senior leaders and academic deans, deepen volunteer and alumni affinity, secure new corporate and foundation partnerships, and build integrated engagement and outreach to all constituents thus enriching UCR’s institutional pride and reputation across the globe. The VC will also identify opportunities to position Chancellor Hu to connect with philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are not currently engaged with the university, and maximize UCR’s existing relationships in the region, nation, and world for philanthropic gain—notably expanding connections between UCR and its regional business and legislative communities.

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

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Christina Garrison, Megan Gorman, and Caroline Corry.