Mercy University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement ("VPIA"). Inspired by Mercy's mission to provide 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, the VPIA will be the University's chief strategist and advisor to the President regarding donor cultivation and stewardship, including the design and execution of a campaign to support a forthcoming strategic plan.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Mercy University is a thriving, financially strong, independent, coeducational, comprehensive, and student-centered institution serving the New York Metropolitan region. Mercy's mission is to provide 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. The University's Strategic Plan focuses on four goals that directly tie to the mission: Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Affordability and Financial Health, and the University Community.
Mercy students come from non-traditional backgrounds and are often the first or second generation in their families to earn a University degree. The University is the region's largest private, non-profit minority serving institution (designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the federal government). Mercy's over 9,000 students (75% undergraduates) are exceedingly diverse: undergraduates are 67% female, 48% Hispanic and 26% Black, 75% of first-time, full time undergraduate students are Pell grant eligible, and 24% aged 25 or older; graduate students are 79% female; 30% Hispanic and 21% Black.
GOVERNANCE
The University is governed by Mercy's Board of Trustees led by a Chair, Vice Chairs, and up to 25 additional Trustees who serve the University through their work on committees, supporting events and initiatives, and by providing expertise, guidance, and support. The Faculty Senate, which meets regularly and convenes several committees, represents the Full-Time Faculty and provides shared governance in academic matters, while also serving as consultative partner to the University's administration.
LEADERSHIP
On July 1, 2023, Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W. became the 13th president of Mercy University. President Parish previously served as dean of the College of Health Professions and Sentara Professor of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Under her leadership, the College of Health Professions at VCU experienced significant increases in graduate and undergraduate enrollment, and research funding.
UNIVERSITY DISTINCTIONS
Mercy University has emerged as a leader in higher education. Mercy consistently ranks as a top school—in the nation and New York State—for affordability, online excellence, and the quality of student and academic programs. The University is nationally recognized for providing innovative programs that help students achieve success.
- 2024 U.S. News and World Report, Top performer on social mobility.
- Washington Monthly, Ranked as a 2018 "Best Bang for the Buck" College in the Northeast.
- Military Advanced Education & Transition 2018 Guide to Top Colleges & Universities, Ranked a "Top School" for Veteran Education and Support Services
- Hispanic Outlook, Recognized in the top 100 for "Total Master's Degree Schools for Hispanics"
Best of Westchester, Recognized by Westchester Magazine as the Best College 2019, 2020 and 2022
THE POSITION
Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement is responsible for developing and leading overall strategic direction for institutional advancement, philanthropic giving, and alumni relations. This includes 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-person visits) per year, utilizing virtual meeting technology and travel to visit identified prospects, and will meet or exceed the University's annual fundraising and strategic goals.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary for the role is currently anticipated to range from $230,000 to $275,000, commensurate with experience. Mercy University also offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package. Please submit your resume and cover letter as soon as possible using our Talent Profile. Nominations or inquiries can be directed to the search team below.
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Mark Halligan, Senior Associate
DSG Storbeck