"Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement"

Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement

Company: Farmingdale State College

Job Location:

Category: Administrative Vice Presidents

Type: Full-Time

Company Description:

Farmingdale State College is a recognized leader in applied learning. With over 10,000 students, FSC is the State University of New York's largest college of applied science and technology, with 96% of graduates working in New York State and 75% working on Long Island. Farmingdale prepares emerging leaders in the growing technology, engineering, business and health care fields.

Farmingdale State College is committed to inclusivity and excellence as part of our mission and culture. The College has received the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. We seek candidates of all backgrounds who embrace these values and the broader mission of public higher education.

The College is increasingly focused on expanding student engagement. In addition to the highly successful NCAA Division III athletic program, Esports, and an extensive array of student clubs and organizations give FSC a strong culture of civic responsibility.

Job Description:

Position Summary

Farmingdale State College seeks a Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement who serves as the chief advancement officer of the College and provides strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni relations efforts. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President plays a central role in shaping the College's future by securing philanthropic support, cultivating meaningful relationships with stakeholders, and enhancing the institution's visibility and reputation.

The Vice President also serves as the Executive Director of the College Foundation, guiding its fundraising strategy and aligning its mission with institutional priorities. Working collaboratively with Cabinet members, deans, faculty, and the Foundation Board, the Vice President ensures a strategic, integrated advancement program. The position oversees a high-performing team responsible for donor engagement, alumni programs, major and annual giving, and stewardship, and leads efforts to build a culture of philanthropy across the campus and broader community.

The College Foundation

The College Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that exists to advance the mission and long-term success of the College. It provides support for scholarships, faculty development, and campus programs not funded through state allocations. The Foundation also manages gifts, endowments, and bequests from individuals, corporations, and other philanthropic partners. As of June 30, 2025, the Foundation managed an endowment of approximately $12 million, raised nearly $8 million in new gifts, and oversaw $16.5 million in total assets. The Vice President, as Executive Director, is responsible for ensuring the effective stewardship of these funds and expanding the Foundation's impact through innovative, mission-aligned efforts.

View the full position profile on the FSC Website.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Executive Oversight

• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and a key advisor to the President.
• Lead and manage the College Foundation as Executive Director, overseeing its governance, operations, fiscal performance, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Partner closely with the Foundation Board to cultivate board engagement and execute shared fundraising priorities.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement plan that supports the College's mission and strategic priorities, including endowment growth, scholarships, capital campaigns, and academic initiatives.
• Provide leadership and support to college-wide advancement efforts, fostering cross-functional collaboration among Academic Affairs, Enrollment, Administration and Finance, Student Affairs, and Marketing and Communications.

Fundraising and Development

• Direct all philanthropic initiatives, including major and planned gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate giving, and campaign strategy.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Develop expanded corporate relationships and partnerships in support of FSC academic programs, collaborative program development, and financial support for College priorities.
• Design and execute targeted fundraising strategies for both academic and programmatic areas in partnership with deans and faculty.
• Lead the continued growth of the College's annual fund by increasing both donor count and revenue, with a focus on unrestricted giving.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards in fundraising practices and donor relations.

Alumni Engagement and Community Relations

• Strengthen alumni relations through engaging programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and digital outreach that enhance alumni pride and lifelong involvement.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the alumni base of over 110,000 graduates.
• Actively engage with local, regional, and national stakeholders to expand the College's visibility and influence.
• Provide fiduciary oversight and support fundraising efforts of the FSC Alumni Association as well as serve as ex-officio member of the FSC Alumni Association board.

Foundation and Fiscal Management

• Oversee the Foundation's financial planning and endowment management, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship and reporting accountability.
• Work closely with the Foundation's accounting and investment teams to align resources with strategic fundraising goals.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the President, Foundation Board, and College leadership.
• Prepare and present fundraising and campaign performance metrics to stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of eleven advancement and alumni relations professionals to achieve fundraising goals and operational excellence.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned team culture with clear performance expectations and ongoing development.

The college particularly welcomes candidates with knowledge, skills, and abilities that include:

• Commitment to diversity and university initiatives supportive of diversity and inclusion.
• Interest in participating in student-centered service activities.
• Desire to apply expertise in promoting civic engagement with the College's many community partners.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in institutional advancement.
• Demonstrated success in securing major and leadership-level gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Proven ability to manage a comprehensive development program and lead a professional team.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with a collaborative leadership style.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards or foundation governance structures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree.
• Experience as the chief advancement officer in a college or university setting.
• Familiarity with advancement systems, and prospect research tools.
• Knowledge of New York State higher education systems, including SUNY or related public institutions.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time M/C position.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Open until filled, with priority consideration given to applications received by August 3, 2025

SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: Fall 2025

The State University of New York offers excellent fringe benefits including health insurance options and retirement plans.

Click here for New York State Benefits Summary

Visit our Why Work at FSC page to learn more about FSC and the total rewards we offer.

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates may apply by clicking on the "Apply Now" link at the top or bottom of this page. The following documents are required for all positions:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/C.V.
• References - Please provide at least three potential references. No references will be contacted prior to narrowing the candidate pool.

Only applications made through Farmingdale's electronic application system will be accepted. Once you successfully apply you will receive an email as confirmation. Returning applicants may login to their Farmingdale State College Careers Account to apply for this position. See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

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