Vice President for Advancement and External Relations

To view full position profile, please visit: https://theangelettigroup.com/opportunities/current-executive-searches/

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Angeletti Group invites nominations and applications to join the leadership team of Manhattanville University as the next Vice President for Advancement and External Relations (VPAER). This pivotal position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the University’s future, leveraging its storied history, recent successes, and new forward-thinking leadership.

As a senior member of President Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D.’s cabinet, the Vice President for Advancement and External Relations will lead a newly unified advancement and communications department of approximately fourteen individuals. This is a unique opportunity to strategically integrate these functions to strengthen Manhattanville’s brand, enhance marketing and donor engagement, and build strong alumni and external partnerships.

Manhattanville University is poised for continued growth, supported by a history of innovation, a strong commitment to social mobility, rising enrollment, and increased alumni engagement. The VPAER will have the opportunity to shape a new department on campus to create a cohesive and impactful strategy. This leader will play a vital role in advancing Manhattanville’s mission to educate ethical and socially responsible leaders while positioning the University as a nationally recognized institution distinguished by its commitment to educational excellence, inclusivity, and global impact.

THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The Vice President for Advancement and External Relations will lead Manhattanville University’s newly unified advancement and communications departments, integrating these critical functions to drive strategic University goals. Reporting directly to President Sánchez and serving as a senior member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPAER will lead a team of approximately six direct reports and provide visionary leadership to shape brand equity, strengthen alumni relations, enhance external engagement, and increase philanthropic support.

Given the University’s strategic growth in recent years and its plans, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to drive its future trajectory; to align advancement and communications strategies to elevate the University’s profile, expand its donor base, and foster lasting relationships with diverse constituencies.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in advancement and communications leadership, demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams, a proven ability to build strong relationships, and a track record of delivering innovative, data informed strategies that resonate with internal and external audiences.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President for Advancement and External Relations will lead efforts to integrate advancement and communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with Manhattanville University’s mission and strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated strategy for advancement and communications to enhance donor engagement, strengthen alumni relations, and elevate the University’s brand and reputation.

• Oversee the newly unified advancement and communications department, ensuring cohesive messaging and streamlined operations to maximize impact and efficiency.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, his Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees, providing strategic insights to advance institutional goals.

Advancement Leadership:

• Oversee all fundraising activities, including programs for major and planned gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, events, and campaign initiatives.

• Personally cultivate and solicit major gifts, managing a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects.

• Strategize approaches to major gift prospects and accompany the President and/or Board members on cultivation and solicitation visits.

• Lead planning and execution of Manhattanville’s capital campaigns, ensuring robust strategies and achievement of ambitious fundraising goals.

• Lead work with the Board of Trustees and related Committees; attend and report on Institutional Advancement progress at Board and Committee meetings.

Communications and Brand Management:

• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with advancement objectives to strengthen institutional messaging and engagement.

• Oversee the creation of impactful marketing and communications materials that resonate with prospective students and their families, alumni, donors, and other external audiences.

• Leverage digital platforms and data analytics to expand the reach and effectiveness of communication initiatives. Alumni and External Engagement:

• Foster strong connections with alumni to cultivate a lifelong affinity for Manhattanville and increase alumni participation in giving and volunteer opportunities.

• Create and implement standard and systematized approaches to alumni, parents and friends that result in increased contribution revenue.

• Represent the University in the broader community, building partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations.

• Oversee events and initiatives that engage stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and external partners, in meaningful ways.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of advancement and communications professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and professional development opportunities to support team success.

Data-Informed Decision Making:

• Utilize data analytics to inform strategies, evaluate effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement across advancement and communications functions.

• Ensure alignment of all activities with institutional goals and strategic priorities.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Visionary Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to provide strategic vision and direction, aligning advancement and communications efforts with institutional priorities.

Collaborative Change Agent: Skilled in driving culture change, breaking down silos, and fostering collaboration across departments. Works effectively with institutional leaders, including the President, faculty, and Board of Trustees, to build a culture of philanthropy.

Strategic Thinker and Executor: Balances high-level strategic planning with the ability to execute initiatives and achieve measurable outcomes.

Compelling Communicator: Excels at crafting and articulating a clear and persuasive case for support to various audiences, including donors, alumni, and community partners.

Cultural Competence and Commitment to Diversity: Brings a genuine interest in engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, along with experience and a willingness to actively participate in fostering an inclusive environment. Ensures advancement and communications efforts reflect and support the university’s values of equity and respect.

Proven Relationship Builder: Adept at cultivating and maintaining relationships with high-level constituents, including University leadership, major donors, and alumni of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Experience With Data Systems and Analytics: Possesses a deep understanding of donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), data analytics, and evidence-based practices to inform strategy and enhance engagement efforts.

Change Management Expertise: Demonstrates experience reorganizing and building high-performing teams, fostering innovation, and leading through change.

Self-Starter and Results-Driven: Takes initiative, exhibits a strong work ethic, and is committed to achieving ambitious goals, quickly adapting to new challenges and delivering immediate impact.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in advancement and fundraising, with a preference for candidates who also possess communications experience.

• Experience in a higher education setting is a plus.

• Demonstrated success in managing a prospect portfolio, soliciting major gifts, and cultivating donor relationships.

• Familiarity with campaign planning and execution; direct experience leading campaigns is a plus but not required.

• Strong knowledge of donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) and the ability to ensure high-quality data utilization and management.

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but candidates are encouraged to apply before February 14, 2025. To be considered, candidates should submit a statement of interest and CV to The Angeletti Group at search@theangelettigroup.com.

NOMINATIONS AND CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO:

Kate Hughes, The Angeletti Group

(973) 540-1400

search@theangelettigroup.com

Salary commensurate with experience and will range from $225,000 - $250,000.

Manhattanville University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and is an equal-opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate against current or prospective students and employees based on race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.