Description

THE OPPORTUNITY: Pace University seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations (VP). The individual in this role will help fuel this multifaceted, powerfully student-centric university by building a robust program of development and alumni relations to engage both Pace’s existing constituencies as well as new supporters and philanthropists dedicated to the University’s mission.

Working closely with the President and in collaboration with the senior leadership team, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees, the VP will develop and implement an innovative alumni engagement and development strategy for Pace to take philanthropic revenue to new heights.

Key to success in this role will be to build, steward, and maximize both existing and new relationships with supporters that will help Pace fulfill its mission now and well into the future.

The VP reports to the President and leads a current development and alumni relations team of 34 through 7 direct reports.

2026 is a momentous year for Pace. The university will celebrate its 120th birthday, launch a new brand, and unveil its bold reimagining of 1 Pace Plaza, its iconic building at the heart of the New York City Campus. The renovation will house contemporary classrooms, creative arts spaces, and a new Performing Arts Center, as well as in-demand residential spaces for Pace students. It will also be home to the Sands College of Performing Arts, a recognized global leader for the creative arts.

ABOUT PACE UNIVERSITY: A premier student-centered institution and established leader in experiential education in the New York metropolitan region, Pace University prepares students to be tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers. 

Pace provides its students with a powerful combination of knowledge in the professions, real-world experience, and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. One of the key distinctions of a Pace education is a long-established commitment to internships and employment opportunities for both current students and graduates. In addition, the University imparts to its graduates a deep knowledge of their discipline and a strong connection to community.

Firmly rooted in the University’s founding identity and mission of Opportunitas, this unique approach enables Pace students and graduates to realize their full potential as innovative thinkers and problem solvers who will make enduring contributions to our future world.

Ranked in the top 10% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically.

Pace is a nationally-ranked university with seven schools and colleges—College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

With campuses in Manhattan and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 14,000+ students (approximately 8,200 undergraduates and nearly 6,000 graduate students). Pace combines the benefits and resources of a large university with the personalized attention and focus associated with a small college, with an average class size of 18 students and a 14:1 student to faculty ratio.

Pace has more than 168,000 alumni, approximately 70% of whom are in the greater New York area. The University has a growing alumni relations program and Association with a volunteer committee structure, affinity groups, and engagement opportunities.

Since its founding in 1906 as a one-room accounting school, Pace has grown into a premier, nationally ranked university which attracts students from a range of backgrounds with big goals and outsized ambition. The Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations will play a key role in articulating and supporting the compelling mission, history, innovation, and impact of Pace University.

PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Marvin Krislov became the eighth president of Pace University on August 1, 2017. He is deeply committed to the University’s mission of Opportunitas, expanding access to the transformative power of education, and to advancing a culture of excellence focused on student success, career readiness, and real-life impact.

The university’s 30-plus member Board of Trustees is a group of leaders dedicated to guiding the university’s mission and shaping a transformative student experience. The VP will work closely with the Development and Alumni Relations Committee of the Board as well as with advisory boards and committees of specific schools and programs. The VP will also participate in helping to identify and cultivate new potential board members.

FUNDING: The University has an annual operating budget of approximately $460 million and an endowment with an estimated value of $294 million. Philanthropic revenue is approximately $20 million annually, including campaign gifts.

Pace’s successful ongoing comprehensive campaign “Meeting the Moment,” aims to raise $300 million, with $288 million committed to date.

Requirements

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated success as a skilled development professional with strong vision, leadership, management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Success crafting and executing annual and capital development programs for a major academic, cultural, or other relevant not-for-profit institution. Candidates with a history of proactive relationship building across a complex institution will be at a distinct advantage.
• Creative, entrepreneurial spirit with a high EQ and a commitment to best and emerging practices in the development field.
• A seasoned frontline principal gift fundraiser who can identify, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors.
• Track record of developing new, creative approaches to philanthropy and engagement.
• Familiarity with the philanthropic and business communities in the greater New York area and beyond.
• Ability to create collaborative relationships at all levels and to serve as a trusted advisor to the President and a central resource to the entire institution.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and supporting a team; represent a leadership style that motivates, acknowledges, and inspires others.
• Superior communication, listening, and relationship-building skills; a strong networker.
• Successful experience working with an engaged board of trustees.
• Genuine commitment to advancing the principles of inclusive excellence.
• Proven ability to think strategically, manage multifaceted projects, and utilize data-driven insights to guide decision making and measure impact.
• Tech savvy and committed to investing in new technology to support and advance the development program.
• Ability and willingness to travel on behalf of Pace and to attend evening and weekend events, as required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is desirable.

 The annual compensation range for this role is $350,000-$415,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments, plus attractive benefits.

Pace University has engaged the executive search firm of Howe-Lewis International to assist the Search Committee in the process. Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be emailed to Kirk McDonald at kirk@howe-lewis.com

To apply, please click here or visit howe-lewis.com and click on the “Assignments” tab on the top menu. All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.