Vice President for Strategy

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

Position Summary
The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) seeks an innovative and dynamic professional to serve as Vice President for Strategy. This role will focus on advancing strategic partnerships and initiatives that strengthen UMSV’s relationships with philanthropies, donors, and organizations committed to educational access and upward mobility and enhance the University’s profile as a leader on these issues, including strategically deploying the President for relationship development and public relations in support of this priority. Working in close collaboration with the President and Advancement colleagues, the Vice President for Strategy will lead efforts to identify, engage with, and solicit high-level funders, develop strategic academic, innovation, and funding partnerships, and cultivate new relationships with individuals and institutions historically unaffiliated with UMSV. Additionally, the Vice President for Strategy will play a pivotal role in the strategic planning process, ensuring that initiatives with measurable metrics align with the university's mission and goals.

Application Deadlines

• While all applications will be reviewed, priority consideration will be given to those submitted by April 15, 2025.
• Applications submitted after April 30, 2025 will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Relationship Management

• Collaborate with the President and the Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to expand high-level donor relationships.
• Identify and cultivate connections with new philanthropic partners, corporate sponsors, and grant-making organizations aligned with UMSV’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate and support meetings, events, and initiatives involving the President and key external partners.

2. Strategic Funding Partnerships

• Research and identify funding opportunities from national and international foundations and corporations focused on educational access and upward mobility.
• Generate leads, and leverage the President as appropriate, by leading the University’s meaningful engagement in funding and philanthropic networks aligned to the University’s priorities.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective funders and prepare tailored engagement strategies for each.
• Manage the preparation of individual funding proposals, grant applications, and partnership agreements.
• Lead and/or staff solicitation meetings as appropriate.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Advancement/Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment between institutional messaging and donor engagement strategies.
• Partner with Advancement team to implement stewardship efforts for new funders and maintain a cohesive approach to donor and funder relationships.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align strategic initiatives with institutional priorities and goals.

4. Enhancing the University’s Leadership Role

• Partner with Advancement/Marketing and Communications to design and execute strategies that position the President as a thought leader in educational access and upward mobility.
• Collaborate on communications and public relations efforts that highlight UMSV’s initiatives, achievements, and impact. Prepare briefing materials, speeches, and presentations for the President’s engagements with philanthropies, donors, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in philanthropy, development, strategic partnerships, or a related role.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting high-impact materials.
• Knowledge of trends in philanthropy and funding for educational access and upward mobility.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset with the ability to work across departments.

Key Attributes:

• Entrepreneurial and strategic thinker with a passion for educational access and social mobility.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and develop consensus around initiatives.
• Proactive and resourceful in identifying opportunities and driving results.

Salary Range: $140,000-$150,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care
• 100% employer sponsored life insurance, AD&D insurance and Long-term disability
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities via Coursera
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan