Sonoma State University

Position Music; Rohnert Park (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoma State University seeks a Vice President for University Advancement who will provide vision, leadership, and executive management for the division, including philanthropy, alumni engagement, operations, marketing, and strategic communications.

The Vice President will coordinate advancement initiatives with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and the SSU Foundation to advance institutional priorities, support student success, and ensure long‑term

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and management for University Advancement, including philanthropy, alumni engagement, operations, marketing, and strategic communications.
• Oversee fundraising strategy and initiatives to support the university's priorities and student success.
• Coordinate advancement initiatives with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and the SSU Foundation.
• Align advancement goals with the university's mission and long‑term sustainability.

Job description

Vice President for University Advancement

Reports To: University President

Sonoma State University is seeking a Vice President for University Advancement who will provide vision, inspiration, leadership, planning, and management for University Advancement in support of the institutional mission and priorities articulated in the University’s strategic and master plans. The Vice President will provide executive leadership for the University Advancement Division, including philanthropy, alumni engagement, advancement operations, marketing and strategic communications, and the Sonoma State University Foundation. The Vice President will coordinate advancement initiatives with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and the Green Music Center to advance institutional priorities, the University’s academic mission, student success, and long‑term sustainability. They will be responsible for over $75 million in assets and a current annual fundraising revenue goal of $10 million.

Consistently recognized among the top universities in the California State University system, SSU stands out for its graduation rates, national accolades in student success and equity, and a vibrant campus life. Their commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and inclusion, paired with a supportive community, empowers every student to thrive both on campus and in their future. Sonoma State is entering an exciting new chapter under President Michael Spagna's leadership, with a clear vision centered on student success, regional impact, innovation, and community engagement. Walking around campus, one cannot help but get caught up in an obvious inquisitive spirit and the incredible sense of community that radiates from SSU’s students, faculty, and staff.

"I am looking for an accomplished advancement leader with a demonstrated record of fundraising success. Equally important, I am looking for a trusted partner - someone who enjoys bringing people together, building authentic relationships, thinking strategically, and helping others see what is possible and inspiring them around a shared vision. The successful candidate will join a leadership team that values collaboration, welcomes new ideas, and is committed to turning vision into action as we build Sonoma State's next chapter together." — Dr. Michael Spagna, University President

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications,
please refer to the full prospectus.