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Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director of the CSU Foundation
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University is a dynamic urban public research university with more than 14,000 students across eight colleges and schools. Deeply connected to its urban environment, Cleveland State is committed to meeting the evolving needs of Northeast Ohio through engaged learning, innovative research, and community partnerships. Students benefit from more than 3,000 annual co-ops, internships, and experiential learning opportunities, preparing them to thrive in their chosen professions.
Cleveland State continues to build momentum through strong partnerships with organizations like the Cleveland Clinic, NASA Glenn, and the Cleveland Guardians. With its new strategic plan, Cleveland State United (2025–2030), Cleveland State has set a bold vision to become a national model for student success, innovation, and community impact.
The Opportunity
To help realize this vision, Cleveland State University seeks a Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director of the CSU Foundation (VP/ED), a dual leadership role that offers the chance to shape the University’s philanthropic future at a pivotal time. The VP/ED will serve as chief architect of Cleveland State’s advancement strategy, driving a comprehensive approach to fundraising and alumni engagement that reflects the University’s mission of access, innovation, and community impact.
In this role, the VP/ED will design and lead initiatives to strengthen Cleveland State’s philanthropic pipeline, engaging alumni, donors, and community partners to activate new levels of support. They will provide leadership to major fundraising campaigns, align philanthropic priorities with institutional strategy, and inspire a culture of giving across the University. As a trusted advisor to President Laura Bloomberg and a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VP/ED will play an influential role in institutional planning and decision-making.
The VP/ED will also serve as Executive Director of the CSU Foundation, stewarding donor investments and leveraging its volunteer Board of Directors to ensure long-term sustainability of scholarships, faculty research, academic programs, athletics, and more. They will manage and mentor a talented advancement team, and, in the process, cultivate an environment that fosters innovation, accountability, and success.
This is a transformational moment for Cleveland State University. With strong leadership, an ambitious strategic plan, and growing community partnerships, the University is positioned to accelerate its impact in Northeast Ohio. The next VP/ED will find a vibrant urban university eager to deepen its philanthropic capacity and extend its reach, making this an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary and entrepreneurial advancement leader.
