The University of Houston–Clear Lake, a comprehensive institution and key member of the University of Houston System, seeks an entrepreneurial and strategic administrator to serve as the University’s next Vice President for University Advancement.

The Institution: The University of Houston–Clear Lake opened its doors in 1974, in response to the desire for a university to enhance the educational, economic, and cultural environment of the Houston-Galveston metropolitan region, specifically for NASA Johnson Space Center and nearby space-related industries. Over the past 44 years, UHCL has grown to offer more than 80 graduate and undergraduate programs at UHCL, UHCL Pearland and UHCL Texas Medical Center. The University has awarded 75,000 degrees to more than 68,000 alumni.

UHCL is a student-centered, community-minded, partnership-oriented university that serves a diverse student body. Historically, the University has served undergraduate transfers (80 percent of undergraduates transferring from community colleges), graduate, and international students (ten percent of the student body comes from outside of the U.S). In fall 2014, UHCL became a full service, four-year university and welcomed freshman and sophomore students for the first time. The University offers high quality instruction and nationally accredited academic programs designed to develop the critical thinking, creative, quantitative, leadership, and communication skills of students. Students enjoy small class sizes led by highly qualified faculty in four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Human Sciences and Humanities, and the College of Science and Engineering.

Outside the classroom, students can participate in more than 100 student organizations, external internships, and research opportunities. The 13 research institutes and centers at UHCL conduct applied and basic research that engages the community and provides professional services to support both the economic development and the quality of life of the area. The University continues to strengthen its reputation among regional universities, 63rd among the 2018 Best Regional Universities West and 16th among Top Public Schools Regional Universities West in the U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings. Nationally recognized for its commitment to community service, UHCL has been a five-time recipient of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. UHCL is designated a Hispanic-Servicing Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

UHCL Pearland Campus opened in 2010, a 30,956 square-foot facility, designed to connect the growing community to quality undergraduate and graduate programs. In August 2018, the University opened two new buildings: the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Classroom Building, and the Recreation and Wellness Center, and in January 2019 will open the Health Sciences and Classroom Building, the second building at UHCL Pearland. In August 2017, the University welcomed its fifth president, Ira K. Blake, Ph.D., who plans to continue to expand opportunities for the university community. To learn more about the University, please visit https://www.uhcl.edu/.

The Position: Serving as a member of the UHCL Core Leadership Team, the Vice President for University Advancement reports to the President and provides visionary leadership for the University Advancement areas of Development, Alumni Relations, and Theater and Cultural Arts. The Vice President directs the design and implementation of the university advancement strategic planning and assessment efforts focusing on philanthropic and alumni goals in support of the university’s mission. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Strategic Partnerships to develop and maintain marketing and communication plans and to foster relationships with industry partners of UHCL, as appropriate, while also working to identify strategic relationships for the philanthropic needs of Academic and Student Affairs. The VP directs and coordinates the institution’s fund-raising efforts, serves as the university's senior fundraiser, and represents University Advancement and the University in various internal and external settings.

Qualifications: The University seeks candidates who have significant professional advancement experience and comprehensive knowledge of fundraising programs with demonstrated success in progressively responsible advancement leadership roles. Applicants will possess the ability to provide supervision for organizational efficiency along with a strong sense of financial accountability for management of resources with prudence and competence. Knowledge of metrics to assess outcomes associated with goals of philanthropy, membership development, and partnership growth is essential. Compelling and persuasive written and oral communication skills as well as the capacity to build relationships and rapport with a broad range of constituents are imperative. A progressive track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts and overseeing campaigns, special events, public relations, and alumni relations is necessary. The ability to foster a productive relationship with the UH Foundation and work in conjunction with the UH System advancement division is also a vital element. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Location: Located adjacent to the NASA Johnson Space Center, UHCL is situated in the heart of the area’s high-technology community on a 524-acre nature preserve. Bay Area Houston is known as the boating capital of Texas and offers a wonderful quality of life. The primary business sectors in the area center around aerospace, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Local attractions include NASA Johnson Space Center, Kemah Boardwalk, Sylvan Beach Park, and Armand Bayou Nature Center.

About the University of Houston System: The University of Houston System is the fourth-largest university system in Texas and has more than 70,000 students in its four universities. The System is comprised of the University of Houston, its flagship university; the University of Houston–Clear Lake; the University of Houston–Downtown; and the University of Houston–Victoria. The Chancellor of the UH System serves simultaneously as President of the University of Houston, and the System is governed by a Board of Regents, appointed by the Governor of Texas.

Application: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter addressing the aforementioned qualifications and a curriculum vitae/resume to RPA Inc. at HoustonVPUA@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Kendra Mozug, Search Consultant, at HoustonVPUA@rpainc.org or 800-992-9277. The first review of candidates will begin on February 7, 2019, and first round interviews will commence thereafter.

The policy of University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL) is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, veteran's status, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy), except where such a distinction is required by law. Additionally, UHCL prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment and educational programs on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.