Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Apply NowCompany: Mercy College
Location: Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Description:
Salary: $225,000.00 - $260,000.00 Annually
Location : Dobbs Ferry, NY
Job Type: Full Time Staff
Job Number: 00921
Division: Institutional Advancement
Department: Institutional Advancement
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
Union Status: Non-Union
Job Posting Summary
The Vice President for institutional Advancement is responsible for developing and leading overall strategic direction for institutional advancement, philanthropic giving, and alumni relations. This is including implementing/managing all fundraising and public relations activities, annual and capital campaigns, planned and major gifts, and alumni relations.
The individual will lead and guide the advancement team, senior leadership team, deans and Board of Trustees to increase the impact of advancement at Mercy University. The fundamental purpose of this role is to significantly increase financial support from foundations, and major and principal gift commitments. This individual will lead the growth and strategic direction of Mercy's Institutional Advancement department to support achievement of the University's ambitious strategic plan goals.
Empowered by superb relational, interpersonal, and management skills, a data-driven mindset and sophisticated prospect management systems, this individual will lead a team to develop strategies to identify new major and principal gift prospects, foundation funding, develop metrics for gift officers to achieve their fundraising goals and to significantly increase philanthropic revenue for Mercy University.
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will manage a portfolio of donors and will actively solicit prospects at and above the $100,000 level. This leader will meet or exceed a goal of 80+ personal contacts (virtual and in-personal visits) per year, utilizing virtual meeting technology and travel to visit identified prospects, and will meet or exceed annual fundraising and strategic goals of the University.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
Education Requirements
About Mercy
Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University, has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.
Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students.
Mercy's student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.
At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
Our Mission:
Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.
EEO Statement
Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at
The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.
Campus Safety
Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be foundhere.
Mercy University strives to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
Health Insurance:
UntitedHealthcare Oxford
In-network and out-of-network plan options
EmblemHealth HIP Prime HMO (Union Staff)
Dental Insurance:
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
In-network and out-of-network plan options
Vision Insurance:
UntitedHealthcare Oxford
Paid Time Off:
Mercy University provides generous leave benefits to its employees.
Disabilities & Workers Compensation Insurance:
Coverage in accordance with New York State regulations
Life Insurance:
Long-Term Disability: The Hartford
Short-Term Disability: The Hartford
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
Ameriflex
Retirement Benefits:
TIAA
The Mercy University Retirement Plan is comprised of two components:
Deferred Compensation Plan
All eligible employees may contribute to the Deferred Compensation Plan on a pre-tax basis upon joining the University.
Defined Contribution Plan
Eligible employees are enrolled in the Defined Contribution Plan after two (2) years of full-time employment at Mercy University and receive a semi-monthly contribution from the College, based on age and salary. If an employee is under age 36, they will receive a contribution of 3.3% of their annual salary each pay period. If an employee is age 36 or older, they will receive a contribution of 9% of their annual salary each pay period.
If employed full-time for two (2) or more consecutive years by another institution(s) of higher education (college or university), without an intervening break in service within the last twelve (12) months prior to employment before joining Mercy, please submit a waiting period waiver form to Office of Human Resources. The Defined Contribution will begin as of the first day of the month following receipt of the completed waiver form.
Remote Work:
Mercy University recognizes the important role that workplace flexibility can play in an employee's ability to manage work-life balance.
Learn more about our remote work policy
Tuition Remission: Staff & Faculty
Mercy University provides a competitive education to students and extends that formal education opportunity to employees, and their spouses/domestic partners, and dependents at a reduced tuition rate through this Tuition Remission Benefits Policy for Mercy Employees.
Learn more about our tuition remission
Tuition Exchange:
We are a member of the Tuition Exchange Program. Employees are eligible to apply for the Tuition Exchange Program after completing two (2) consecutive years of full-time employment.
Employee Assistance Program:
Compsych
Voluntary Benefits:
Allstate Identity Protection
LegalEase
Liberty Mutual Auto & Homeowners
Nationwide Pet Insurance
PlumBenefits
ScriptSave
Working Advantage
Note: The above describes a brief summary of benefits and is subject to change.
Location : Dobbs Ferry, NY
Job Type: Full Time Staff
Job Number: 00921
Division: Institutional Advancement
Department: Institutional Advancement
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
Union Status: Non-Union
Job Posting Summary
The Vice President for institutional Advancement is responsible for developing and leading overall strategic direction for institutional advancement, philanthropic giving, and alumni relations. This is including implementing/managing all fundraising and public relations activities, annual and capital campaigns, planned and major gifts, and alumni relations.
The individual will lead and guide the advancement team, senior leadership team, deans and Board of Trustees to increase the impact of advancement at Mercy University. The fundamental purpose of this role is to significantly increase financial support from foundations, and major and principal gift commitments. This individual will lead the growth and strategic direction of Mercy's Institutional Advancement department to support achievement of the University's ambitious strategic plan goals.
Empowered by superb relational, interpersonal, and management skills, a data-driven mindset and sophisticated prospect management systems, this individual will lead a team to develop strategies to identify new major and principal gift prospects, foundation funding, develop metrics for gift officers to achieve their fundraising goals and to significantly increase philanthropic revenue for Mercy University.
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement will manage a portfolio of donors and will actively solicit prospects at and above the $100,000 level. This leader will meet or exceed a goal of 80+ personal contacts (virtual and in-personal visits) per year, utilizing virtual meeting technology and travel to visit identified prospects, and will meet or exceed annual fundraising and strategic goals of the University.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
- Responsible for all institutional fundraising and the creation of relationship maintenance with all external constituencies
- Develop a comprehensive growth strategy that effectively identifies, cultivates, and solicits funds
- Maintain a personal portfolio of major gift prospects to steward and solicit
- Help formulate and execute the University's next comprehensive capital campaign; guide the strategies for cultivating and soliciting major donor prospects; manage and direct all aspects of the donor giving societies; and enlist and manage volunteers
- Utilize excellent written and verbal communication skills with Mercy's heterogeneous stakeholder community of donors, volunteers, alumni, faculty and staff, and community partners
- Develop and implements initiatives to build the team, engage the department in the University community as a team member and build positive morale in the department
- Provide mentoring, coaching, leadership, and training for employees to improve productivity, achieve goals, and have strong morale
- Assesses departmental operations and policies to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency continuously
- Maintains confidentiality in the management of information
- Contribute to overall institutional strategy as a member of the University's senior leadership team
- Analyze and leverage appropriate data to achieve goals and advance the University
- Demonstrates flexibility in the acceptance and completion of work assignments
- Ensure all members of the advancement team demonstrate highly effective customer service-oriented delivery
- Manages departmental budgets appropriately and with an appreciation for the thoughtful stewardship of all University resources
- Ensure the advancement team and all aspects of operations is always fully compliant with Mercy policies, all applicable laws, and best practices in institutional advancement
- Ensure the advancement team and all aspects of operations operate as a model of ethical behavior
- As needed, lead development of policies and procedures to ensure all aspects institutional advancement are current and consistent with best practices in the field
- Effectively lead the advancement team, and facilitate their engagement in the larger University
Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum of 15 years' fundraising experience with demonstrated effectiveness securing major gifts to support institutional mission and goals
- Experience leading fundraising teams in higher education or similar nonprofit organizations
- Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, problem-solving, organizational and presentation skills
- Computer proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, RS6000, Banner and the Internet required
Education Requirements
- Master's degree preferred, but bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university required
About Mercy
Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University, has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.
Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students.
Mercy's student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.
At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
Our Mission:
Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.
EEO Statement
Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at
The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.
Campus Safety
Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be foundhere.
Mercy University strives to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
Health Insurance:
UntitedHealthcare Oxford
In-network and out-of-network plan options
EmblemHealth HIP Prime HMO (Union Staff)
Dental Insurance:
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
In-network and out-of-network plan options
Vision Insurance:
UntitedHealthcare Oxford
Paid Time Off:
Mercy University provides generous leave benefits to its employees.
Disabilities & Workers Compensation Insurance:
Coverage in accordance with New York State regulations
Life Insurance:
Long-Term Disability: The Hartford
Short-Term Disability: The Hartford
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
Ameriflex
Retirement Benefits:
TIAA
The Mercy University Retirement Plan is comprised of two components:
Deferred Compensation Plan
All eligible employees may contribute to the Deferred Compensation Plan on a pre-tax basis upon joining the University.
Defined Contribution Plan
Eligible employees are enrolled in the Defined Contribution Plan after two (2) years of full-time employment at Mercy University and receive a semi-monthly contribution from the College, based on age and salary. If an employee is under age 36, they will receive a contribution of 3.3% of their annual salary each pay period. If an employee is age 36 or older, they will receive a contribution of 9% of their annual salary each pay period.
If employed full-time for two (2) or more consecutive years by another institution(s) of higher education (college or university), without an intervening break in service within the last twelve (12) months prior to employment before joining Mercy, please submit a waiting period waiver form to Office of Human Resources. The Defined Contribution will begin as of the first day of the month following receipt of the completed waiver form.
Remote Work:
Mercy University recognizes the important role that workplace flexibility can play in an employee's ability to manage work-life balance.
Learn more about our remote work policy
Tuition Remission: Staff & Faculty
Mercy University provides a competitive education to students and extends that formal education opportunity to employees, and their spouses/domestic partners, and dependents at a reduced tuition rate through this Tuition Remission Benefits Policy for Mercy Employees.
Learn more about our tuition remission
Tuition Exchange:
We are a member of the Tuition Exchange Program. Employees are eligible to apply for the Tuition Exchange Program after completing two (2) consecutive years of full-time employment.
Employee Assistance Program:
Compsych
Voluntary Benefits:
Allstate Identity Protection
LegalEase
Liberty Mutual Auto & Homeowners
Nationwide Pet Insurance
PlumBenefits
ScriptSave
Working Advantage
Note: The above describes a brief summary of benefits and is subject to change.