Vice President for Advancement

Marin Campus; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Redlands is seeking a dynamic Vice President for Advancement to lead a comprehensive fundraising program aligning with the university’s mission and strategic plan, Forward Together. The role oversees planning, execution of a future capital campaign, and engagement with a broad donor base.

The VP for Advancement will partner with the President and Board, drive major gifts, and mentor staff. A tenure of leadership in higher education development is preferred, with a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years in a major leadership role in development or advancement.
• Experience managing a team of fundraising professionals and campaigns.
• Data-informed approach to setting goals, tracking progress, and decision making.
• High integrity with ethical standards and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and collaboration with President, Board, leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• Develop integrated fundraising and alumni engagement programs.
• Lead and mentor a department of development professionals.
• Expand engagement with alumni and donors across national and international communities.
• Guide advancement objectives with benchmarking and evaluation.
• Partner with academic units to increase fundraising for programs and opportunities.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Office of Advancement.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Communication

Relationship Building

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

California - Redlands
University of Redlands
1200 E Colton Ave
Redlands, CA 92374, USA

DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Office of Advancement

POSITION: Admin, Exempt, Full-time (40 Hours), 12 Months

SALARY RANGE: $250,000-$300,000

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months

AVAILABLE: Immediately

POSTING DATE: July 7, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the university’s mission, responsibilities, and competencies presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

University of Redlands has retained ZRG Aspen Leadership Group (ALG) to support this recruitment. Don Hasseltine, Managing Director and Practice Lead, Philanthropy, is leading the search.

Definition of Classification:

The University of Redlands seeks a Vice President for Advancement who will serve as the University’s chief development officer, creating a high-caliber advancement program that reflects the University’s mission, vision, and values as outlined in the strategic plan, Forward Together. The University is seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking advancement professional to bring focus, momentum, and leadership to a program ready to move to the next level. The Vice President for Advancement will play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of the University by leading the planning and execution of the University’s next comprehensive capital campaign.

The University of Redlands is a private, nonprofit university committed to preparing students for lives of meaning, impact, and joy through immersive, personalized, and professional education. Nationally recognized for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to student success, the University offers more than 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs that blend liberal arts and professional study, applied and theoretical learning, and traditional majors with self-designed curricula. Over 120,000 alumni call Redlands their alma mater, and surveys show that generations have found the University prepared them well for career success and lifelong learning.

"The next Vice President for Advancement will be an important partner to me, to our Board of Trustees, and to colleagues across the institution. I am looking for a leader who understands the evolving landscape of higher education advancement and who builds trust, acts with the highest integrity, brings teams together, communicates clearly, creates a team culture where people enjoy their work and each other, and sees fundraising as mission-driven work grounded in relationships." — Krista Newkirk, University President

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Impact

• Work collaboratively with the President, Board of Trustees, senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to put systems and structure in place for advancement planning and decision-making at all levels.
• Create a comprehensive and integrated fundraising and alumni engagement program that will set the tone for high achievement.
• Develop best practices within institutional values and aspirations, while serving as an encouraging and collaborative manager and mentor capable of bringing cohesion to a department of committed development professionals.
• Enhance the advancement functions to ensure all alumni and donors from the acquired institutions are engaged with the University.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Instill a heightened level of engagement among prospects, donors, parents, alumni, and other University of Redlands constituents to strengthen long-term philanthropic participation and prepare for future fundraising campaigns.
• Broaden the University’s national and international reach by cultivating relationships with prospective donors and expanding sustained, meaningful engagement across a larger segment of the alumni base.
• Lead the design and execution of strategic objectives for University Advancement, including goal setting, benchmarking, and evaluation with the expectation of growth in the University’s philanthropic efforts.
• Partner with academic departments through the Provost’s office to increase the University’s ability to raise funds to support academic programs, and to submit grants to foundations and agencies to enhance student and research opportunities.
• Enhance collaboration across campus to cultivate the next generation of major donors and nurture loyal and supportive alumni.
• Provide the Office of Advancement with innovative, energetic, and strategic leadership.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to serve as representatives of the University of Redlands in the advancement and development profession.
• Serve as a key member of the President’s senior leadership team, working collaboratively with leadership across the institution to support key priorities, initiatives, and opportunities.
• Provide active counsel and partner with the President to establish a strong working relationship that maximizes efforts in the development of private support.
• Partner with the President to work in close concert with the University’s Board of Trustees to ensure optimal involvement and impact of members of the Board within the development program.
• Carry a personal portfolio of leadership gift prospects.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, educating and informing them of development strategies and tactics.

Qualifications Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

Required

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in a major leadership role in a development or advancement program at an institution of significant complexity and accomplishment, preferably in higher education.
• Experience managing a team of fundraising individuals.
• A data-informed approach to setting division goals, tracking progress, and making decisions.
• A person of high integrity who sets high ethical expectations and accountability

Preferred

• A track record as a major and principal gift fundraiser and manager of a sophisticated fundraising operation with experience managing one or more comprehensive campaigns with clearly articulated priorities.
• Fundraising experience in higher education, or a large nonprofit organization at the major and principal gift level.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Intellectually curious and abreast of industry and trends.
• A sense of humor.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Substantial leadership and management experience, including a history of establishing personal and professional credibility and respect and building trust internally and externally.
• A deep understanding and knowledge of the complexities of running a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual, major, principal, planned, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Outstanding interpersonal competencies with the ability to engage volunteer leadership and a deep commitment to instilling practices and a culture within Advancement that reflects the values of the University of Redlands.
• Superior communication skills, including engaging speaking skills, strong writing and active listening skills, and an ability to communicate effectively across constituencies. A collaborative, forward-thinking, and goal-oriented development approach.
• Ability to thrive in a metrics-driven, entrepreneurial environment.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion consistent with the University’s approach to inclusivity and anti-racism.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Working Conditions: Standard office and field setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands: Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the university’s mission, responsibilities, and competencies presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

University of Redlands has retained ZRG Aspen Leadership Group (ALG) to support this recruitment. Don Hasseltine, Managing Director and Practice Lead, Philanthropy, is leading the search.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Offers are conditional and may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found or if information was withheld or falsified. Current employees may be affected if the check is not satisfactorily completed.

DRIVER’S LICENSE: Certain positions require a valid driver’s license and enrollment in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program to verify license status and driving record.

PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: Select positions require a pre-employment physical exam, including the ability to lift 50+ lbs. Public Safety Officers must also pass a psychological evaluation.

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Skills

Behaviors

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Motivations

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Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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