Location: Troy/ Albany, NY Category: Administrative Positions Posted On: Tue Sep 3 2024 Job Description:

Russell Sage College seeks a data-driven, dynamic and visionary Vice-President for Advancement to lead all facets of fundraising and external relations. This is an exciting opportunity to partner closely with the new President, Matthew Shaftel, an enthusiastic and experienced fundraiser. Together, you will leverage Russell Sage's strong financial condition and enrollment position, along with its passionate alumni base to build an even brighter future for the college. We are seeking a collaborative leader who can contribute to the development of a new strategic plan and lead Russell Sage's first comprehensive campaign in eight years. With a distinctive brand and market position, coupled with recent philanthropic growth, Russell Sage is poised for significant advancement success.

Status:

Full-time, twelve-month senior officer of Russell Sage College, reporting directly to the President.

General Responsibilities:

The Vice-President for Advancement is responsible for all facets of fundraising and external relations that support the college's mission. This role also oversees services and activities for alumnae/i, ensuring they remain engaged and invested in the college's future. Leading a team of development professionals, the Vice-President will identify, cultivate, and solicit donor prospects, while fostering strong connections between alumnae/i and the institution. The Vice-President will collaborate with the President, Trustees, Cabinet, and the Marketing and Communications department to achieve these goals.

Specific Duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic fundraising program, including preparation for and execution of major comprehensive campaigns and special projects.

• Organize and manage the advancement team to achieve institutional goals.

• Partner with the President and Trustees in major donor cultivation, solicitations, and stewardship, including engagements with corporate, government, and foundation sources.

• Manage a major gifts portfolio, focusing on Trustees, Former Trustees, and other key prospects.

• Collaborate with the President and the Board Governance and Advancement Committees to identify, recruit, and on-board qualified trustee candidates who are committed to the financial support and overall advancement of the college.

• Further develop and integrate technology to enhance fundraising and alumnae/i relations, including using analytics and metrics to assess program performance, leveraging advancement software, and utilizing digital communication tools to engage donors and alumnae/i.

• Foster lasting connections between the College and its alumnae/i, parents, and friends, which culminate in long-term engagement that goes beyond financial contributions.

• Support other external relations work as needed, including pursuing private and government grants related to facilities and core institutional priorities.

• As a member of the President's Cabinet, contribute to institutional planning, policy development, and decision-making, ensuring that advancement strategies align with the college's overall goals.

• Participate in the development and execution of an integrated marketing and branding strategy for the college.

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the advancement team and in all external relations work, ensuring that these values are central to fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.

• Other duties as directed by the President.

Russell Sage College is a student-centered, private undergraduate and graduate institution with campuses in Troy and Albany, New York. Founded in 1916, the college has a rich history of empowering students through a combination of liberal arts education and professional preparation. Today, Russell Sage College remains committed to fostering personal and professional growth, producing thoughtful, engaged citizen-leaders, and translating learning into meaningful action. The college enrolls approximately 2,300 students.

Distinctive Attributes:

• Diverse Academic Offerings: With over 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, Russell Sage provides a broad spectrum of academic opportunities. The college is particularly strong in the health sciences, education, and management, and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and practical experience.

• Inclusive and Supportive Community: Russell Sage prides itself on a culture of support, encouragement, and innovation. The college is dedicated to creating a healthier, more equitable world and offers a welcoming environment for all students, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is ranked highly among national universities for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

• Strategic Location: Situated in Upstate New York, with campuses in both historic Troy and the state capital of Albany, Russell Sage offers the best of both worlds?urban culture and small-town charm. This prime location provides access to business, industry, arts, and outdoor activities.

• Strong Outcomes: Russell Sage boasts impressive student outcomes, with a high percentage of graduates securing jobs or graduate school placements within six months of graduation. The college emphasizes engaged learning experiences, ensuring that students leave with practical skills and a strong resume. Additionally, the college is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a national Best Value College, affirming the exceptional return on investment for students.

Institutional Advantages:

• Financial Stability: Russell Sage College has demonstrated strong financial management, running a budget surplus for five consecutive years. This financial stability allows the college to continue investing in its students, faculty, and facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

• Innovative Spirit: Despite its small size, Russell Sage is known for its nimbleness, creativity, and determination. Thoughtful decisions are made quickly and confidently to maintain momentum. The college has successfully navigated challenges and continues to grow and innovate, making strategic decisions that build on past achievements and prepare for future success.

• Community Engagement: The college maintains strong ties with its alumnae/i, regional partners, and the local community. Programs like the Women's Institute and Thrive underscore Sage's commitment to leadership, wellness, and sustainability.

• Student-Centered Approach: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 16, Sage ensures personalized attention and a supportive educational environment. Faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success, making Sage a place where students are truly seen and supported.

The estimated salary range is $170,000- $182,000 per year for 40 hours per week for 52 weeks.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required (advanced degree desirable).

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to maintain high levels of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Proficiency in technology and analytics relevant to the position, with an emphasis on using metrics to measure program performance.

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible, successful, and diverse fundraising and development experience, with demonstrated leadership ability, preferably in higher education.

• Experience in leading comprehensive campaigns and managing complex organizational structures.

• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in all aspects of the role.

  Additional Information:

RSC offers a dynamic college environment and friendly work atmosphere along with opportunities for tuition waiver, employer matched retirement plan for eligible employees and many other benefits. For complete employee benefit information, please visit our Employee Benefits (https://www.sage.edu/about/offices-centers/human-resources/employment-benefits/) page. Visit our Employment Opportunities (https://www.sage.edu/about/work-at-russell-sage/) page for additional available job openings at RSC.

Russell Sage College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision making, criminal history, and any other legally protected characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Russell Sage College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Russell Sage College embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential components of a rich intellectual and cultural environment in which all members are given the opportunity to reach their full potential as active participants in our local and global society. Russell Sage College is committed to developing policies and programs to create a campus that supports an optimal learning and working environment for all students, alumnae/i, faculty, administrators, and staff. Please take a look at more information about the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (https://www.sage.edu/about/community-resources/diversity-equity-inclusion/) at Russell Sage College.

COVID-19 vaccination is not required, but suggested.