THE OPPORTUNITY

Montclair State University seeks a dynamic, experienced and growth-minded development leader to serve as its next Vice President for Development. Reporting directly to President Jonathan Koppell, the next Vice President will play a critical leadership role as the chief development officer for the University and leader of the MSU Foundation.  The Vice President is a member of the President’s Cabinet, and, together with the University’s other senior administrators, shares broad responsibilities to advance the mission, reputation, and capacity of the University to fulfill its important purposes.

This is an exciting time to join Montclair as President Koppell has laid out an ambitious agenda with the goal of establishing Montclair as the model of a 21st century public-serving research university.  This is already taking shape with the acquisition of Bloomfield College, launch of the Next Generation Service Corps and externally-funded collaborative community projects in nearby communities. The University has been singled out in rankings and news coverage as an emerging star that is worthy of attention and tracking in the years ahead.

The Vice President for Development will work closely with Koppell to identify philanthropic investors who are attracted to this vision which includes an institution dedicated to accessibility, excellence and civic engagement. This includes activating an alumni base of more than 130,000, who are dedicated but represent an underdeveloped resources, as well as building more support from a surrounding community of high-net worth individuals who embrace the progressive mission of the University. The Vice President will receive the full support of the President and the Board of Trustees in amplifying the University’s development efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and lead the University’s strategies for identification and cultivation of prospects, closing major gifts and leveraging data and analytics to drive fundraising.

• Cultivate and steward current and future donors, and raise the visibility of philanthropy within the University community.

• Provide exemplary leadership to the existing development team while planning for expansion in the future.

• Oversee all aspects of Montclair State University’s development operation, which includes major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, annual giving and donor relations, and the Foundation.

• Direct a team of experienced development professionals responsible for progressive results towards the University’s fundraising goals.

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising program for the University.

• Build strong relationships with an expanded donor community, including corporations, foundations, individual philanthropists, and alumni. 

• Expand the University’s fundraising achievements such as, Soar, The Campaign for Montclair State University, where the University achieved close to $82 million exceeding its goal of $75 million; $20 million gift to the School of Business, the largest donation in the University’s history; endowment in excess of $100 million.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience with substantial and successful fundraising experience in a public or private university environment or closely-related non-profit environment.

• A track record of substantial major gift acquisition.

• Demonstrated leadership and team-building experience.

• Familiarity with the laws, regulations, and professional standards related to fundraising.

• Outstanding written, face-to-face, and presentation communication skills and the capacity to influence, with sincerity and passion, for a mission-driven public institution of higher education.

• Absolute integrity and comfort working in a large, highly diverse, public institution.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

• A track record of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience building and leading in an inclusive environment.

• Experience working with a variety of financial vehicles related to gifting methodologies.

• Experience working effectively with various information management systems related to fundraising and donor accountability, such as Raiser’s Edge.

• Familiarity with best practices and effective options of annual giving programs, corporate and foundation relations, major gifts programs, etc.

• Knowledge of, and the capacity to function effectively in, the competitive and fast-paced New Jersey/New York City region.

• Proven ability to function effectively in a dynamic environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.

• Experience serving as a key consultant and advisor to a president or other senior executive on matters of donor, board relations, and philanthropic initiatives.

• Ability to apply professional expertise as the chief development officer and fundraising strategist to the broader Montclair State University community, its leadership, and internal stakeholders.

For further details, please visit: www-dev.montclair.edu/vp-development-prospectus/

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.