Vice President for Advancement

The University of Nevada, Reno (University of Nevada or Nevada), the flagship land-grant institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education, seeks a proven and aspirational vice president for advancement (VP) to lead all development and alumni engagement efforts. The VP also serves as the executive director of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 organization which strategically partners with University Advancement (UA) to achieve its mission of making the greatest possible impact with donors’ investments. Reporting to an engaged and ambitious leader in President Brian Sandoval, an alumnus and the former governor of Nevada from 2011 to 2019, and partnering closely with the chair of the Foundation board, the next VP has the unique opportunity to build a best-in-class advancement operation during an exciting and transformative moment in the University’s history. 

Since its inception in 1874, the University of Nevada has grown at a dynamic and record-setting rate across student enrollment, National Merit scholars, student diversity, and faculty achievements. Today, the University has cemented its status as a research powerhouse, earning multiple Carnegie Classifications, including an R1 research designation and the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The University’s most recent comprehensive campaign, Building What Comes Next: The Campaign for the New Nevada, concluded in March 2022 and raised more than $502.8 million, positioning the University to address the world’s grand challenges from climate conservation to agriculture sustainability to medicine and bioscience innovation. Joining the University shortly after its sesquicentennial anniversary, the VP will leverage this opportunity to create and strengthen a culture of philanthropy among Nevada’s graduates while simultaneously readying the University for future fundraising efforts, particularly in preparation for a future campaign endeavor. 

Success for the next VP will, in part, be defined by an ability to broadly engage all constituents of the Nevada community in advancement efforts; implement best practices and innovation to modernize the current advancement infrastructure; and design and communicate an overarching vision and strategy to integrate the functions across the UA division. Furthermore, the VP will strategically leverage the president in the philanthropic community to support the University of Nevada’s newly unveiled strategic priorities and institutional goals. With oversight for a team of 40 staff across development, alumni engagement, and support areas such as UA finance, IT administration, and investment oversight, the VP will set clear and achievable expectations that inspire staff to meet and exceed goals to unlock the full philanthropic potential of the University in the Reno, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe communities and beyond. As executive director of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, the VP will serve as a non-voting member and work closely with the Foundation Board, Executive Committee, and board chair to manage its operations and finances, as well as advance the fundraising and engagement activities of the University’s philanthropic priorities.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 10 years of advancement leadership experience in institutions of similar complexity, preferably in a research university environment. The VP will be a seasoned and dedicated team leader adept at maximizing, leveraging, retaining, and advocating for a talented staff, while facilitating team success. This individual must be an inspirational leader and self-starter who advances a clear set of strategic priorities with efficiency; demonstrates a high level of integrity and trust; and exhibits the credibility, emotional intelligence, and judgment to effectively engage and partner with diverse internal and external constituents. As a key external representative, the VP must reflect and embody the core mission and values of the University, including its dedication to fostering an inclusive community to enhance the learning experience. A bachelor’s degree is required for this role. 

Rachel Ellenport is leading the search with Nicole Poe, Christina Garrison, and Megan Gorman.

The University of Nevada, Reno, does not discriminate on the basis of protected classes in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of protected classes is mandated by Federal law. The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment.