ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT
CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, HUMBOLDT

Arcata, California

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in
the search for an Associate Vice President for Development.

The Associate Vice PresidentforDevelopment will serve as the chief development officer for California
State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt), responsible for the analysis and
implementation of all major gift fundraising programs including special giving, major giving, principle
giving, planned giving, and prospect research and management. The Associate Vice President will lead the
development staff to set and meet both long-term and annual fundraising goals and establish effective
relationships with donors, alumni, and the community to generate private financial support. The Associate
Vice President will maintain, cultivate, and solicit their own assigned prospects and will work closely with
the President, Vice Presidents, and other university leadership to manage their donor relationships.
Working in partnership with the Vice President for University Advancement, the Associate Vice President
will be responsible for establishing metrics for success and leading a cohesive, collaborative, and strategic
fundraising team. The Associate Vice President will set the strategic direction for the university’s
campaign, including major gifts and comprehensive programs and will strengthen and advance campaign
strategies. The Associate Vice President, in conjunction with university leadership, will develop and
manage the campaign strategic plan, strengthen volunteer structures and staff roles in campaign
strategies and policies, and provide supervisory functions for all major gift officers.

Cal Poly Humboldt is a public institution and part of the 23-campus California State University system.
Founded as a teacher’s college in 1913, it has grown into an accredited university with extensive research
facilities. The institution has seen many name changes in the past century, most recently from Humboldt
State University to Cal Poly Humboldt when it became California’s third polytechnic in January 2022.
Surrounded by ancient redwood forests, pristine coastline, and wild rivers, the approximately 5,700
students enrolled at the institution can choose from nearly 60 majors and 13 graduate programs. Students
receive personal attention in small classes where professors know them by name. Programs in natural
resources and sciences are nationally known, and students find a long-standing commitment to social and
environmental responsibility throughout the curriculum. There are also plenty of opportunities for hands-
on learning—on the Coral Sea, an ocean-going vessel used for undergraduate research, or studying with
the world’s foremost expert on redwood trees and with leading experts in sustainable energy systems.
The cutting-edge Fire Lab allows students to study the properties of forest fires and they can study the
mechanics of walking in the Human Performance Lab. The Schatz Energy Research Center and the Child
Development Lab, among many others specialized facilities, offer additional experiential learning
opportunities. A rich campus life provides a multitude of activities outside the classroom. With more than
85 clubs and a state-of-the-art recreational facility, there is something for all students. There are also 12
NCAA Division II athletic teams representing Cal Poly Humboldt and a network of 82,000 alumni around
the world.

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Cal Poly Humboldt aims to be a campus for those who seek, above all else, to improve the global human
condition and their relationship with the environment. It strives to provide the highest quality and
affordable college education built on the contributions of diverse students, staff, and faculty who are
committed to a just and sustainable world.

With faculty members who are among the top teachers and researchers in their fields, it is no surprise
that Cal Poly Humboldt receives national recognition. Recently named a top western university by U.S.
News & World Report, the institution is also considered a “Best in the West” college by Princeton Review.
The same publication also named Cal Poly Humboldt to its “Green College” list. It has appeared on the
President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and was named a military friendly school by
G.I. Jobs magazine. Additional rankings include a top vegan-friendly school by PETA and a top LGBT-
friendly school by Campus Pride.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Associate Vice President for Development will report to the Vice President for University
Advancement, Frank Whitlatch. The Associate Vice President will serve on the Vice President's
Management Team and will oversee a team currently comprised of five staff.

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

The Associate Vice President for Development position at Cal Poly Humboldt is an incredible opportunity,
and I hope you’ll take the time to learn more. The individual who takes on this role will have the chance to
build out an expanding development team while also serving in a leadership role during a campus-wide
transformation. They will help us complete our first comprehensive campaign, which was just publicly
launched, and will lead the planning for our next campaign.

It’s not hyperbole to say that Cal Poly Humboldt is at a historic crossroads. We were recently designated
the state’s third polytechnic, and the state has made a significant investment in the effort, providing $433
million in one-time funding along with $25 million in annual funding. There are new academic buildings,
new student housing, and new research facilities in the works. For Fall 2023 alone, we are launching 12
new academic programs, with more to come. Our alumni and donors are energized, they see the
opportunity to leverage the state investment, and they are giving at record levels.

For the Associate Vice President role, I’m looking for someone who takes initiative, who is a creative and
resourceful thinker, and who can be a strategic partner. I seek someone who will work with me to build
the sort of advancement program that Humboldt needs and deserves. I’m looking to the Associate Vice
President for significant expertise, advice, and leadership in advancement.

Cal Poly Humboldt is focused on providing undergraduate students with a great learning experience. We
serve a diverse student body as well as many first-generation students, and this diversity extends to STEM
fields. We have a longstanding commitment to environmental and social responsibility that is reflected
throughout our curriculum. We have a strong liberal arts foundation and particular strengths in programs
in the natural resources and the sciences. Humboldt is the sort of place that generates intense loyalty, with
dedicated faculty and staff as well as high levels of engagement by alumni.

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The North Coast region is known, first and foremost, for its incredible natural environment. We’re
surrounded by ancient Redwood Forests that march all the way down to the Pacific Ocean, as well as six
rivers and mountains that begin just a few miles inland. There are many small cities and tribal
communities, and given our small population, there’s a surprising array of restaurants, coffee shops, and
the like. We also have a very large and active arts community.

This is an interesting time economically for the North Coast. For a region that has had some struggles over
the years, there are a number of projects underway with significant potential. The state’s enormous
investment in Cal Poly Humboldt is one of them. Another is an undersea internet cable landing in Humboldt
Bay, bringing a variety of new possibilities for technology businesses. Yet another is a large offshore fish
farm that is designed to supply the west coast from San Diego to Vancouver, BC. And finally, the state and
federal government are backing a massive offshore wind power effort, which would include facilities on
our bay to build and maintain the turbines.

I hope you will take a close look at this opportunity. If you have the experience and skills to build a strong
development program, Cal Poly Humboldt needs you. You’ll have a chance to make a big impact.

—Frank Whitlatch, Vice President for University Advancement

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, HUMBOLDT'S COMMITMENT TO

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ANTI-RACISM

Cal Poly Humboldt honors and affirms the dignity inherent in all people, and it strives to maintain a climate
of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. It is committed to freedom of expression,
critical discourse, and the advancement of knowledge. It strives to overcome historical and divisive biases
in its community and society.

The university welcomes, values, and affirms all members of the community, including their various
abilities, contributions, ideas, intersectional identities, skills, and talents. It creates and nurtures
environments that support the living, well-being, and belonging of all community members, with
particular focus on minoritized groups. It is committed to genuinely broadening its understanding of
others’ experiences and life journeys, and building rapport grounded in mutual trust and respect. The
university co-creates positive environments necessary for integrated work to flourish and support the
purpose and vision of Humboldt. The voices of minoritized community members are listened to and
prioritized to best meet the identified historical and contemporary needs of the groups and build resilient
communities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Vice President for Development will

• plan, implement, and execute all development functions including special giving, major giving,

• prepare, administer, and monitor the development department budget and help to identify and

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt seeks an Associate Vice President for Development with

• a commitment to the mission of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt—to

LOCATION

This position is in Arcata, California.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive
to the mission of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt as well as the responsibilities and
qualifications stated in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and
continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

To apply for this position, visit:
Associate Vice President for Development, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.

To nominate a candidate, please contact Anne Johnson, annejohnson@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

All inquiries will be held in confidence.

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