Stacy Nelson & Associates

Compensation

Full Description

Stacy Nelson & Associates is proud to partner with Dominican University of California in the search for their next VP for Advancement & Alumni Relations. Dominican University of CA is ranked as one of the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university was ranked #22 in this category. The university also holds high marks for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #45 in this category for the same period, and is recognized as a top performer in social mobility by U.S. News. This pivotal moment offers a thrilling opportunity for significant transformation, not just within the University's Advancement efforts but for the institution as a whole. We seek an Advancement leader who will collaborate boldly and creatively with the VPs and the Board to shape Dominican's future as we embark on a profound strategic planning process to envision a University that delivers impactful, life-changing results for students from all walks of life. Primary Function Dominican University of CA seeks a visionary fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic support, particularly within the Bay Area and broader Northern California region; experience building a national profile is a plus. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to forge deep relationships with donors, applying innovative approaches that extend beyond the traditional university advancement model. This individual will be a relationship builder and highly effective communicator, passionate about advancing Dominican’s mission to prepare ethical leaders and socially responsible global citizens, grounded in the values of study, reflection, community, and service. They will uphold the University’s longstanding commitment to access, opportunity, and excellence for every learner, while championing educational equity and expanding opportunities for students of all circumstances. Reporting directly to the President, the VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations is a member of the President’s Executive Staff and Cabinet. It serves as the University’s chief fundraising strategist, responsible for achieving and growing the University’s unrestricted fundraising goal, currently at $5 million annually across individual, corporate, institutional, and government giving. Additionally, this position is responsible for capital fundraising efforts, encompassing both formal campaigns and individual donor projects. The VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations will partner closely with the President, Cabinet members, and the Board of Trustees, particularly the Advancement Committee, while also collaborating with the University’s Communications and Marketing team, to ensure donor-facing messaging is compelling, on brand, and strategically aligned with advancement priorities. KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities) • Fundraising & Financial Management: 55% • Leadership & Management: 30% • Marketing & Donor Communications Oversight: 15% REQUIREMENTS Skills / Knowledge Required: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. • Minimum of seven years in senior fundraising leadership, with a strong track record in local philanthropic networks; national experience is a plus. • Experience outside a traditional higher education Advancement model is welcomed. • Thorough knowledge of Advancement principles and practices. • Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, budget, and coordinate across teams. • Demonstrated track record of raising at least $5M annually and/or leading a $10M+ capital/major gifts campaign. • Demonstrated knowledge of higher education grant seeking, including a strong understanding of operational systems and the interplay between advancement, business services, and contracts. • Strong leadership skills: negotiation, strategic hiring, team building, problem solving, decision making, and delegation. • Proven experience in developing a functional and effective fundraising team. • Exceptional oral and written communication skills. • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, community partners, and other stakeholders. • Understanding of marketing and donor communications best practices, with the ability to credibly collaborate with marketing professionals on donor-facing strategies. • Committed to Dominican University of California's mission and values. • Experience with modern donor management systems, including leading staff who manage the system daily (i.e., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Campus Giving, etc). Skills / Knowledge Preferred: • Proficiency with Google Workspace • Familiarity with CRM Advance Benefits and Compensation: Dominican University of California recognizes that our employees are our most valuable asset. Every employee contributes to the success of the organization and our mission. This position is physically located on campus in San Rafael, California. Benefits include medical, vision, dental, health savings account, flexible spending account, 403(b) matching contribution, and commuter benefits. As a full-time employee, you and your family have access to the gym and pool. Employees have discounts on meals at the dining hall. Dominican University offers 23 paid holidays. Tuition benefits are available for employees and dependents after 6 months. Compensation is based upon experience and merit. The salary range is $200,000 - $250,000. READ FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE To Apply: Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications via LinkedIn or to Stacy Nelson & Associates through their website at stacynelsonassociates.com Dominican University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity, and takes pride in its multicultural environment. We are committed in thought, word, and deed to recruiting and retaining a workforce that values the diversity of its student body. The University actively promotes an institutional culture that practices equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups in higher education.