Vice President for University Development and Alumni Engagement

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), one of the nation’s top public universities, seeks an experienced and strategic Vice President (VP) for University Development and Alumni Engagement (UDAE). This individual also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cal Poly Foundation, a duly recognized 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit corporation and auxiliary organization of the California State University (CSU) system. This opportunity becomes available at a pivotal moment for the university as Cal Poly continues building on the momentum achieved as a result of its most recent and groundbreaking comprehensive campaign, and importantly prepares for a future, more ambitious fundraising endeavor. In doing so, the VP will build upon a robust philanthropic culture and implement the necessary infrastructure to support and sustain the vibrancy and uniqueness of Cal Poly as an institution through an organized and efficient UDAE operation. The VP will have the opportunity to design and implement an overarching vision and strategy to integrate the functions across UDAE, create corresponding alliances across the university, and strategically augment and coalesce the existing team to sustainably elevate productivity, efficiency, and capacity to meet Cal Poly’s strategic priorities and institutional goals.

One of the most unique universities in the CSU system, Cal Poly’s distinctiveness begins with its “Learn by Doing” approach in which students are provided with daily opportunities to apply classroom theory to real-world problems within a comprehensive polytechnic education. Learn by Doing enables the university’s nearly 21,000 undergraduate and 815 graduate students to develop deep confidence in their knowledge and technical skills while preparing them to become resourceful, innovative professionals who can solve the problems of an increasingly complex and technological world. This approach, which has been Cal Poly’s core philosophy since its founding in 1901, produces alumni who make a tremendous impact on a global scale.  

Reporting to President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, a committed and energetic leader for whom advancing philanthropic success is a key priority, and serving as a contributing member of his senior leadership team, the VP will join Cal Poly following the successful conclusion of the university’s second comprehensive philanthropic campaign in institutional history. The Power of Doing: The Campaign for Learn by Doing closed in July 2020, raising more than $832 million against an initial $700 million goal, making it the then-largest fundraising initiative in the history of the CSU system. Alumni support for the campaign’s key priorities – including state-of-the-art facilities, student-faculty research, and scholarship opportunities – was unprecedented, as evidenced by a record-breaking $110 million gift. As Cal Poly reflects on its existing strengths and growth opportunities, particularly in preparation for its next campaign endeavor, the university seeks a VP who demonstrates a strong commitment to building a world-class fundraising and engagement enterprise and who will make the necessary enhancements to UDAE infrastructure, processes, and efficiencies in order to unlock Cal Poly’s full philanthropic potential. Contributing to this positive momentum is the CSU’s announced proposal to integrate the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) and Cal Poly, thereby presenting the UDAE division with tremendous opportunity to potentially integrate Cal Maritime – the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast – in its development and engagement strategy. The proposed integration has been presented to and discussed in-depth with the CSU Board of Trustees, who will formally vote on the proposal in November 2024.

Working closely with President Armstrong and Foundation board leadership, as well as a dedicated cohort of academic leaders with great interest and deep engagement in fundraising activities, this individual will thoroughly assess the UDAE operation and determine appropriate strategies for continued and sustainable success. The VP will also be an active partner with the president and his senior leadership team in generating and evaluating the fundability of new ideas, effectively operationalizing and prioritizing those most promising. The VP will oversee UDAE’s selection of and transition to a new customer relationship manager (CRM) platform and launch systematic initiatives to bolster UDAE’s operational functions, thereby contributing to the division’s overall ability to cultivate the next generation of donors; seek out new philanthropic communities; and engage alumni in creative and meaningful ways.

As the leader of a 74-member team across UDAE, of whom seven are direct reports, the VP will further enhance the organizational structure to maximize effectiveness and continuously stimulate collaboration among the various functions of the division. The VP will set clear and achievable expectations and accountability measures and will inspire staff to meet and exceed goals that include enhancing donor discovery efforts; expanding the major gift pipeline; better leveraging philanthropic support from corporations and foundations; and broadening the reach of alumni engagement activities. Leading by example, the VP carries a select portfolio of prospects and donors and works closely with the president and principal gifts team to design compelling cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. As CEO of the Cal Poly Foundation, the VP will serve as a voting member and work closely with the Foundation Board, Executive Committee, and board chair to advance the fundraising activities of the university in alignment with institutional priorities. 

Cal Poly seeks a VP who is inventive, strategic, and capable of articulating the overarching strategy while recognizing the importance of the details that are often the difference between success and failure. With at least 10 years of leadership experience in development, the ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, strategic planning, and motivational skills; a keen understanding of fundraising best practices and a comprehensive knowledge of all major development and alumni engagement functions, including a depth of campaign experience; and a track record of significant personal success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at the major and principal gift levels. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned team leader adept at maximizing, leveraging, and advocating for staff, and facilitating team success through ongoing professional development opportunities. The VP must be a self-starter who advances a clear set of priorities with urgency and efficiency; demonstrates a high level of integrity, trust, and resourcefulness; adapts in a dynamic environment; and exhibits the credibility, emotional intelligence, and judgment to effectively engage and partner with internal and external constituents, including key volunteers. The VP will reflect and embody the core values of Cal Poly, including its dedication to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community to enhance the learning experience. It is imperative that this individual bring a deep appreciation and passion for the mission, goals, and uniqueness of Cal Poly. A bachelor’s degree is required for this role.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Nicole Poe and Megan Gorman. 

Cal Poly, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.