VP of Institutional Advancement & Exec Dir of the Purchase College Foundation & Charitable Entities

State University of New York at Purchase
VP of Institutional Advancement & Exec Dir of the Purchase College Foundation & Charitable Entities

Purchase College is referred to as a “gem” of the State University of New York system, and combines excellent liberal arts and sciences programs with superb professional conservatory and studio programs in the performing and visual arts. Now under the leadership of its new president, Dr. Milagros Peña, Purchase seeks a Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA/Executive Director) and the Executive Director of the Purchase College Foundation and Charitable Entities to help fuel this multifaceted, powerfully student-centric institution. 

This unusual balance between liberal arts and sciences and conservatory education provides a distinctive educational and learning context for 3,700 students. The college is built upon a three-school academic structure: the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts, and the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education. In addition to 46 undergraduate major degree programs, Purchase offers four highly selective graduate degree programs in the arts. 

Purchase College is included among the best National Public Liberal Arts Colleges listed in the 2019 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. Ranked as one of the Top Ten Public Liberal Arts Colleges and a Top Tier National Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guide for 2021. Purchase is also on the list of most ethnically diverse liberal arts colleges and a top performer on social mobility. The Princeton Review named Purchase in its “Top 384 Colleges” in the nation, praising the college for its excellent academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and performing and visual arts and including it on its list of the most LGBTQ friendly colleges. Purchase ranked number one on the list of Best College Theaters. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Purchase to its 2018 list of “Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” The Fiske Guide to Colleges also included Purchase in its 2019 edition for fostering an “academic environment that provides a strong sense of community and support yet celebrates individuals for their unique talents and contributions.” 

The new VPIA/Executive Director will leverage this powerful case for support in building a robust program of development and alumni relations that utilizes and represents best practices to enfranchise both Purchase’s natural constituencies and philanthropists dedicated to its mission. The College is currently in the nucleus stage of a creating an institutional strategic plan, which will provide the initial structure and activation energy to focus the work of staff, board, volunteers and academic and institutional leadership on structures and programs that will provide success in both the short- and long-term.

The successful candidate will be a creative, experienced professional who will work with faculty, directors, staff, administration, board members, donors and alumni/ae in advancing a public liberal arts college with a strong arts identity. The VPIA/Executive Director will manage the Purchase College Foundation, the 501(c)3 entity that acts as a fiduciary agent to accept private contributions on behalf of Purchase College. Trustees of the Purchase College Foundation are charged with actively raising funds for the College. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who understands the importance of increasing the visibility of a college already recognized as a premier public academic institution.

The VPIA/Executive Director will be responsible for all aspects of institutional advancement, including relationships with alumni/ae, community leaders, parents, corporations, and foundations in the New York metropolitan area and beyond. This individual will be a capable manager who will lead a committed, talented staff. Additional information, including a leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. The search process is currently underway and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Ashlee Winters at PurchaseVPIA@WittKieffer.com