Executive Director for Institutional Advancement

CUNY School of Law is the #1 public interest law school in the country. Founded in 1983, we train lawyers to serve historically underrepresented communities and work towards greater diversity in the legal profession. Our motto, “law in the service of human needs,” infuses everything we do.

The Executive Director for Institutional Advancement is the chief advancement officer for the law school. The Executive Director for Institutional Advancement provides leadership and vision, administration, coordination, and

budgetary/financial oversight for the Advancement Division, and is charged with creating and driving strategy, as well as leading and managing the staff and operations for fundraising, external and government relations, alumni engagement, and communications/marketing.

The Executive Director for Institutional Advancement will serve on the Dean’s administrative leadership team and will create and implement strategies designed to support the funding and implementation of the dean’s

priorities. This person must be a highly energetic, driven, organized, intellectually curious, and enthusiastic professional with a track record of facilitating meaningful gifting opportunities and partnerships. To be successful, the individual must work collaboratively and strategically, demonstrate good judgment

and professionalism, and evidence a strong knowledge and use of principles, ethics, and best practices of successful fundraising. This position will report to the Dean of the Law School.

Specific duties include:

• Oversees the planning, strategy, priorities, and evaluation of the three Advancement pillars within the division: Alumni Relations, Communications/Marketing, and Development
• Directs and implements a strategic vision for strengthening CUNY Law’s relationships with external and internal audiences through comprehensive donor and alumni engagement, alumni programs, special events and campaigns, advancement communications, stewardship, and other activities
• Works closely with the dean, the Foundation Board, senior leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni to help secure financial support for the annual fund, as well as the Law School’s strategic priorities
• Executes principal gift strategies to secure transformational gifts for the Law School’s institutional priorities
• Effectively manages a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects, primarily those rated as capable of giving $100,000 and above
• Manages the CUNY Law Foundation Board in all advancement-related activities, and coordinates with the Law School’s other boards as needed
• Develops and undertakes strategies that will attract endowment funds to support student scholarships, faculty research, and other law school needs.
• Oversees key messages, content and strategy for major alumni and donor publications to ensure alignment with institution's strategy, brand, style, and messaging
• Oversees support by Communications of admissions, career development, academics, student affairs, and other divisions
• Provides leadership in developing a culture and climate of philanthropy and work with alumni and the campus community to address the College's funding needs and opportunities
• In partnership with Finance & Administration, ensures appropriate internal and external reporting are prepared and disseminated in a timely manner, and that appropriate best practices are followed in relation to documentation and other legal requirements
• Oversees proposals and budget development in coordination with Finance & Administration for programs and grants management activity to comply with legal requirements and best practices
• Directs government relations efforts, including city, state, and federal grant and project development, analysis, and presentation
• Serves as an ambassador for CUNY Law, Institutional Advancement, and the Foundation with external and internal audiences to increase the school’s recognition around the city and beyond
• Oversees the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of institutional advancement activities and assures that critical functions of admissions, career development, academics, student affairs, and external relations are supported through effective communications, public relations, alumni relations, and fundraising efforts.
• Manages and supports Institutional Advancement personnel, including supporting their growth and professional development
• Keeps abreast of relevant current best practices, emerging trends, and innovative  resources, evaluates effectiveness, and educates others accordingly Serves as a member of the Law School Senior Leadership/Dean’s Cabinet
• Establishes and maintains collaborative and effective working relationships with a diverse group of division and department heads, as well as staff and faculty members. Performs other related duties as needed.

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

•  Master's degree or other advanced degree.
• Aptitude with technology to facilitate fundraising and digital engagement.
• Successful fundraising experience including: managing and analyzing donor relations processes, alumni and donor databases, annual fund, planned giving, and major gifts.
• Experience working with and/or managing a communications and marketing team is preferred.
• Leadership experience on a capital campaign is preferred.
• Experience in a higher education environment and/or publicly funded institutions is preferred.
• Experience in working with external boards and foundations is preferred.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse group of constituents. Knowledge of, and facility with, best practices in advancement.

Professional School Associate Admin

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well- being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs

CLOSING DATE

This position will remain open until filled. 

 CUNY Job Posting: Executive

 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity.

EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.