Vice President for Institutional Advancement

SUNY Old Westbury, a dynamic and diverse public liberal arts college and member of the State University of New York’s comprehensive system of higher education, seeks an innovative, inclusive, and collaborative leader who is committed to student equity and success, fundraising and resource development, as well as visionary leadership to serve as the College’s next Vice President for Institutional Advancement. SUNY Old Westbury invites applications from leaders eager to build a program at a campus with unique potential and the right foundation to reach uncharted levels of success.

The Position: As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement works collaboratively with the senior leadership team and the Foundation Board to fulfill the College’s mission, ensure endowment growth, and promote an environment of continuous philanthropic improvement. Reporting directly to the President, this senior administrator serves as the Executive Director of the College Foundation to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive programs in alumni affairs, donor cultivation, and philanthropy. The Vice President ensures a coordinated and measurable approach to development that supports the College’s top strategic priorities. Supervising and developing a growing staff, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement oversees and works closely with the College Foundation and the Alumni Association while serving as the liaison to the private sector. Active in the College and surrounding community, the Vice President will participate in the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, embark on a major gifts campaign, relaunch the College’s annual fund initiative, and create additional fundraising opportunities. The College alumni base of more than 34,000 makes this an outstanding opportunity for a development professional to grow and excel.

The Institution: Chartered in 1965 and located on 604 acres, SUNY Old Westbury is one of the youngest of the 64 SUNY campuses and has grown into a regional higher education institution that fosters academic excellence through meaningful interaction among students, faculty, and staff. SUNY Old Westbury has a historic mission of social justice that weaves the values of integrity, community engagement, and global citizenship into the fabric of its academic programs and campus life. In an environment that cultivates critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and intercultural understanding, the College endeavors to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. The College is a community of students, teachers, staff, and alumni bound together in mutual support, respect, and dedication to the mission. U.S. News & World Report has listed SUNY Old Westbury in its rankings related to Campus Diversity, Graduating Students with Lowest Debt, and 10 Colleges that Lead to Graduate School. The College, originally founded on the philosophy of innovative pedagogy and interdisciplinary learning, has expanded to include the School of Business and the School of Education, while maintaining a strong interdisciplinary focus in the liberal arts. Today, the College enrolls more than 5,000 students in nearly 70 majors and degree offerings leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science degrees. Students are taught by more than 350 faculty members, including four Distinguished Teaching and Distinguished Service Professors. SUNY Old Westbury offers its students an engaging college experience, including close interaction with faculty and more than 60 student organizations and 13 NCAA Division III athletic teams. Approximately 800 students live on SUNY Old Westbury’s campus. To learn more about the College and position, please visit www.oldwestbury.edu.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a mature, strong, strategic administrator and will possess a proven track record of securing a high level of gift support for both scholarships and capital needs. The successful applicant will be able to play a major role in positioning the institution for growth by creating an effective program in fundraising. The Vice President must have proven expertise to set ambitious, clear, and achievable goals and to inspire staff to meet or exceed these expectations. Highly developed executive communication skills including written, verbal, and interpersonal competencies; the ability to build and sustain internal and external relationships; and a collaborative leadership style are imperative. The Vice President must have the savvy to leverage the College’s assets of diversity and its social justice brand. Other essential characteristics include integrity, an entrepreneurial mindset, a demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working and learning environment, and the ability to passionately advocate for the College. A Bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree preferred.

Location: Located just 22 miles from New York City, SUNY Old Westbury lies on a wooded 604-acre rural campus on the north shore of Long Island. Long Island has more than 200 miles of coastline, with dozens of beaches, boardwalks, and parks available to the public. Residents have access to some of the world’s finest cultural and entertainment opportunities at Long Island’s major performing arts venues, theaters, and museums. Long Island has a vibrant and very active business community, with numerous software companies, specialized manufacturers, and major national and international corporate headquarters. The Long Island Rail Road provides its riders ready access to three of New York City’s five boroughs including Manhattan.

Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resumé/CV to RPA Inc. at OldWestburyVPIA@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Kendra Mozug, Search Consultant, or Dana John Cohick, President, at the email above. The first review of candidates will begin on September 2, 2021, and first round interviews will commence thereafter.

The State University of New York College at Old Westbury is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.