Associate Vice President of University Advancement Finance and Operations - Cal Poly Pomona

Lead with strategy, steward with integrity. Step into the Associate Vice President of University Advancement Finance and Operations at Cal Poly Pomona-located in the vibrant San Gabriel Valley just east of Los Angeles-and make a lasting impact with the flexibility of a hybrid schedule that blends meaningful on-site collaboration with remote work. Pivotal to the university's advancement infrastructure, this role will guide the financial and operational strategy that ensures every philanthropic dollar turns into opportunity-supporting student projects, scholarships, and life-changing educational experiences. Enjoy a generous CSU benefits package, including a CalPERS pension, tuition waivers for you and your family, generous vacation, and access to campus amenities-all valued at 30-35% of your base salary. Join a team building the future-one student, one gift, one opportunity at a time.

Another Source's client, Cal Poly Pomona is recruiting an Associate Vice President of University Advancement Finance and Operations to join their University Advancement team in Pomona, CA. This position is internally titled: Chief Operating Officer and Associate Vice President of Advancement

Cal Poly Pomona is located on a historic 1,400-acre campus nestled in the beautiful San Gabriel Valley less than 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It is one of three polytechnic universities in the 23-campus California State University system and among 12 such institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1938, the university has offered a unique education steeped in experiential learning. With a variety of degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines, the University is well-known for its Become-By-Doing philosophy.

About University Advancement

The Division of University Advancement at Cal Poly Pomona plays a vital role in strengthening the university's reputation and securing private support. Through meaningful engagement with alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and the broader community, the division cultivates partnerships that advance the university's mission and long-term success.

University Advancement encompasses several key functions:

Advancement Services: Oversees alumni and donor records, prospect research, gift processing, and data analytics.

• Development: Includes college and program development, annual giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations.

• Alumni and External Relations: Engages alumni, students, and the community through outreach and events-including university-wide celebrations like commencement.

• Government and Community Relations: Serves as the liaison to local, state, and federal officials, positioning the university as a regional and statewide leader.

The division also manages the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation (CPP-PF), which serves as the official entity for receiving and managing charitable contributions to the university.

Learn more about Cal Poly Pomona and University Advancement:

• https://www.cpp.edu/aboutcpp/index.shtml

• https://www.cpp.edu/giving/advancement-division/about-us.shtml

Salary range: The salary for this position will be $175,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the role:

The Associate Vice President for University Advancement, Finance and Operations (AVP) is a key member of the University Advancement leadership team and a strategic thought partner to the Vice President for University Advancement. This individual will lead all operations and financial management across the division and serve as Chief Operating Officer for the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation. The AVP is responsible for overseeing budget, compliance, gift processing, advancement systems, investments, endowments, and scholarship administration-ensuring efficient, ethical, and student-centered stewardship of philanthropic support.

This position will serve as staff liaison to the Finance & Investment and Audit Committees and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders-including senior university leadership, donors, and community partners-to strengthen financial sustainability and institutional trust.

How you will spend your time:

• Lead day-to-day operational, financial, and compliance functions of University Advancement and the CPP Philanthropic Foundation.

• Oversee advancement services, including CRM management, gift processing, prospect research, and data reporting.

• Provide financial planning, investment oversight, and reporting for foundation and state accounts.

• Manage scholarship coordination in collaboration with Financial Aid to ensure alignment with donor intent and student eligibility.

• Serve as staff liaison to CPP-PF Finance & Investment and Audit Committees; support foundation board operations.

• Collaborate with university leadership to develop sustainable revenue strategies aligned with institutional goals.

• Clearly articulate the impact of philanthropy through reporting, fund tracking, and transparent stewardship practices.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Vice President and university leaders on strategic, operational, and fiscal matters.

What you will bring:

• Strategic and agile leader with experience navigating complex organizations and fast-changing environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in financial stewardship, advancement operations, and prospect research.

• Strong understanding of nonprofit finance, endowment management, and legal compliance (IRS, FASB/GASB/GAAP).

• Ethical leader who exceeds compliance minimums and considers long-term institutional impact.

• Collaborative and transparent, with a passion for building inclusive, student-centered systems.

• Committed to institutionalizing best practices and creating sustainable processes that endure beyond their tenure.

• A growth-minded, resilient leader who seeks feedback, builds consensus, and aligns operational excellence with mission-driven outcomes.

• Deep appreciation for Cal Poly Pomona's mission, values, and legacy.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in accounting, finance, and operational oversight-preferably in a nonprofit or higher education setting.

• 5+ years of experience in managing teams, budgets, and strategic initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience in investment oversight, endowment reporting, and donor fund management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with foundation boards, advancement committees, or philanthropic foundations.

• Familiarity with university advancement, scholarship administration, and donor stewardship.

• High proficiency in financial systems, data reporting tools, and CRM software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

• Experience in fundraising and investor relations (preferred)

Application Details:

To be considered for this role, please ensure to submit your application using the following link: https://careers-anothersource.icims.com/jobs/102023/associate-vice-president-of-university-advancement-finance-and-operations---cal-poly-pomona/job

A complete application package will include:

1. A letter of interest addressing how the candidate's experiences match the position requirements;
2. A current CV/resume;
3. Contact information for at least three (3) professional references, including email addresses and a brief note of the candidate's working relationship with each. References will be contacted with candidate's approval at a later stage in the search process.

Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this opportunity with Senior Talent Strategist: Dayna Brown at dayna@anothersource.com

The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit complete application materials by May 7, 2025.

Why a career with CSU is for You:

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer.

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities.

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee's salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service.

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)

• Employees in this classification are entitled to two vacation days (16 hours) per month.

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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