Description

Pace University seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Vice President (VP) for Development and Alumni Relations. In this role, the individual will help advance this multifaceted, student centric university by building a robust development and alumni relations program that engages both Pace’s existing constituencies and new supporters and philanthropists dedicated to the University’s mission.

The VP will be a member of the leadership team and will work in close partnership with the president, faculty, staff, board of trustees, and students in a collaborative, dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking culture. 

The year 2026 will be a momentous one for Pace. The University will celebrate its 120th anniversary, launch a new brand, and unveil its bold reimagining of One Pace Plaza—its iconic building at the heart of the New York City Campus. The renovation will feature contemporary classrooms, creative arts spaces, and a new performing arts center, as well as in-demand residential space for Pace students. It will also be home to the Sands College of Performing Arts, a recognized global leader in the creative arts.

Position Duties

• Provide strategic vision and leadership to elevate Pace’s development and alumni relations initiatives and build a strong philanthropic culture institution-wide.
• Develop a deep understanding of the unique missions, priorities, and constituents of Pace University’s schools and colleges; build strong relationships with deans, faculty, and other University leaders to identify opportunities for collaboration and to more effectively engage alumni and donors.
• Lead a transformation to upgrade technological support for the Development operation, which is a University priority.
• Lead and motivate a team that builds on the existing donor pool while broadening and deepening engagement.
• Establish clear, ambitious, and attainable goals and objectives for the division.
• Enhance existing efforts and pursue new, creative approaches to secure funding for short- and long-range priorities, as defined by the President and the Board of Trustees.
• Manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors with the capacity to make transformative gifts.
• Build on the current alumni relations program to strengthen relationships with graduating students and reengage alumni with established careers, creating enduring and mutually beneficial relationships.
• Provide leadership, motivation, and staff support to the Board and its committees, the President, deans, and other key administrators in strategizing and carrying out fundraising responsibilities.
• Lead the current comprehensive campaign to a successful conclusion; plan and launch future campaigns.
• Accompany the President, Board members, and others on solicitation calls, or independently conduct major gift solicitations, as appropriate.
• Enhance donor and prospect research capabilities, planned giving, and other long-term fundraising programs.
• Develop and oversee the division’s budget.
• Partner with the Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President for University Relations to develop communications strategies and tailored messaging that advance the Pace brand and inspire pride among key audiences.
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for Pace; represent the President and the University, as appropriate, in community, state, and regional activities that promote Pace University in particular and higher education in general.
• Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.   

Work Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed. 

Requirements

The most competitive candidates will bring the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a development professional with strong vision, leadership, management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Success in crafting and executing annual and capital development programs for a major academic, cultural, or other relevant nonprofit institution. Candidates with a history of proactive relationship-building across a complex organization will be at a distinct advantage.
• A creative, entrepreneurial spirit; high EQ; and a commitment to best and emerging practices in the development field.
• Experience as a seasoned frontline principal gift fundraiser who can identify, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors.
• A track record of developing new and creative approaches to philanthropy and engagement.
• Familiarity with the philanthropic and business communities in the greater New York area and beyond, with the ability to forge strong relationships with individual, institutional, and community partners.
• The ability to build collaborative relationships at all levels; serve as a trusted advisor to the President; and operate as a central resource to the institution.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and supporting a team, with a leadership style that motivates, recognizes, and inspires others.
• Superior communication, listening, and relationship building skills; strong networking ability.
• Successful experience working with an engaged board of trustees.
• A genuine commitment to advancing the principles of inclusive excellence.
• Proven ability to think strategically, manage multifaceted projects, and use data-driven insights to guide decision-making and measure impact.
• Comfort and experience with current and emerging digital fundraising best practices.
• 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.

Summary

About the Institution

Ranked in the top 9% 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. Currently, the University enrolls more than 13,000 students in more than 150 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Pace University is at the forefront of creating opportunity. Through the convergence of strong academics, experiential learning, and dedicated advising, Pace University empowers its students and positively impacts its communities.

Benefits Offered

Pace University provides a competitive benefit program designed to offer the following:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for preventive care or diagnostic and surgical procedures as well as an incentivized medical plan waiver option for those who choose not to participate (FT Employees).
• Income protection in the event an employee is not actively at work, due to illness (FT Employees).
• 403B investment opportunity to save toward financial security in retirement (PT and FT Employees).
• Programs and services that assist in balancing work and personal life (PT and FT Employees).
• Educational opportunities for the employee and eligible members of their family to pursue a degree at Pace or another higher education institution (PT and FT Employees).
• Opportunity for faculty and staff to participate in Pace’s award-winning health and wellness program, Pace Yourself to Wellness, which is designed to inspire employees to engage in healthy habits while optimizing health care resources (PT and FT Employees).
• Discount purchase plans for everything from entertainment, shopping and travel (PT and FT Employees).

AA/EEO Statement

Pace University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of University life. Pursuant to this commitment, the University does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, gender or gender identity; race; color; national origin; religion; creed; age; disability; citizenship; marital or domestic partnership status; sexual orientation or affectional status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking; or any other characteristic protected by law federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Annual Security Report Notice

Pace is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University’s Safety and Security department publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which can be accessed here. The report contains information on security policies as well as crime and fire statistics for the University.