Vice President for Advancement

Role overview

University of Redlands is hiring a Vice President for Advancement to serve as the institution’s top development leader. This position is responsible for shaping a strong advancement operation that aligns with the university’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan, Forward Together. The role will help drive a new phase of growth by planning and executing the university’s next comprehensive capital campaign.

The university is a private nonprofit institution focused on preparing students for meaningful, impactful, and joyful lives through personalized, immersive, and professionally oriented education. It is known for academic quality, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, with more than 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs. More than 120,000 alumni identify Redlands as their alma mater.

The university president is seeking a leader who can build trust, uphold the highest standards of integrity, unite teams, communicate clearly, foster a positive work culture, and approach fundraising as relationship-based mission work.

Department and employment details

• Department: Office of Advancement
• Classification: Administrative, exempt
• Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year
• Salary range: $250,000 to $300,000
• Introductory period: 12 months
• Availability: Immediate
• Posting date: July 7, 2026
• Applications are accepted until the position is filled, with immediate review encouraged

Key responsibilities

The Vice President for Advancement will partner closely with the president, board, senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus stakeholders to build systems and decision-making structures that support advancement goals. The role will lead the creation of an integrated fundraising and alumni engagement strategy, establish best practices, and guide a team of development professionals in a way that is collaborative, values-driven, and performance-oriented.

In addition, the position will expand engagement with prospects, donors, parents, alumni, and other supporters to strengthen long-term philanthropy and prepare for future campaigns. It will also broaden the university’s national and international reach, increase meaningful alumni connection, and provide strategic leadership for goal setting, benchmarking, and performance review across the advancement division.

The role includes close partnership with academic units and the Provost’s office to increase fundraising support for academic programs and to pursue grants from foundations and agencies that benefit student and research opportunities. The position will also help cultivate major donors, support collaborative campus fundraising efforts, recruit and develop staff, and serve as a senior advisor to the president and a key partner to the Board of Trustees.

This leader will manage a personal portfolio of high-level gift prospects, maintain strong internal relationships, and keep colleagues informed about fundraising strategy and tactics.

Candidate profile

The university is seeking someone with a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in a major leadership role within a development or advancement operation, preferably in higher education and within a complex, high-achieving institution. Experience leading a fundraising team is required.

Preferred qualifications include a strong record as a major and principal gift fundraiser, experience managing comprehensive campaigns, fundraising experience in higher education or a large nonprofit, and a master’s degree in a relevant discipline. The ideal candidate will also be intellectually curious, well informed about sector trends, and bring a sense of humor.

Skills and competencies

Successful candidates should bring strong leadership credibility, the ability to build trust both internally and externally, deep knowledge of comprehensive fundraising, and experience across annual, major, principal, planned, corporate, and foundation giving. Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to engage volunteer leaders, and a collaborative, forward-looking, and goal-focused style are important.

The role also calls for strong speaking, writing, and listening skills, comfort working in a metrics-driven and entrepreneurial environment, and a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism aligned with the university’s values.

Working conditions and physical requirements

The work environment is a standard office setting with some field-based activity. Most duties are performed at a desk, computer workstation, or in meetings. The position includes prolonged sitting, regular short-distance walking, use of hands and fingers for keyboarding and office equipment, occasional stooping or kneeling, clear speaking for phone and in-person communication, close visual work, listening across phone and in person, and the ability to lift, carry, or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Application instructions

Applicants must submit both a cover letter and résumé. The cover letter should directly address the university’s mission, the responsibilities of the role, and the competencies described in the position prospectus. Review will begin right away and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

The university has engaged ZRG Aspen Leadership Group to assist with the search, and the named search lead is Don Hasseltine, Managing Director and Practice Lead, Philanthropy.

Additional conditions and notices

Employment is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check. Offers may be withdrawn if disqualifying information is found or if information is omitted or falsified. Current employees may also be affected if the background check is not completed satisfactorily.

Some roles may require a valid driver’s license and participation in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program to confirm license status and driving history. Certain positions, such as those in Public Safety, Facilities, Student Affairs, Athletics, and ITS, may require a pre-employment physical exam, including the ability to lift more than 50 pounds. Public Safety Officers must also complete a psychological evaluation.

Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The university is an equal opportunity employer. Submission of a résumé or application indicates agreement that the university may verify any information provided.