Assistant Vice President of Development

William Paterson University•Wayne, NJ

10d•$126,000 - $151,000

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University. William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Assistant Vice President of Development (AVP) provides strategic leadership for William Paterson University’s major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and donor-centric special events. The AVP is responsible for advancing a comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategy that supports both short- and long-term institutional and college-level priorities, with emphasis on leadership, principal, and deferred gifts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or nonprofit development.
Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, including leadership and principal-level gifts.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience with planned giving and estate vehicles.
Experience with corporate and foundation relations, including grant cultivation and solicitation.
Proven record of achieving ambitious fundraising goals across multiple giving streams.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate within a team-based advancement environment.
Experience with Banner or comparable advancement database systems.
Valid New Jersey driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the tri-state area.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public university or comprehensive campaign environment, preferred.
Knowledge of CASE standards and ethical fundraising practices, preferred.
Strategic, collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across a complex organization, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and donor-focused special events.
Develop and implement integrated fundraising and engagement strategies aligned with University priorities.
Plan and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives and major campaigns.
Supervise a team of five, including the Directors of Development, the Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, the Manager of Special Events, and the Donor Event Coordinator.
Manage a portfolio of high-capacity individual, corporate, and foundation prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Serve as the primary major-gift liaison to designated colleges, including the Cotsakos College of Business.
Collaborate with corporate and foundation relations staff to secure grants, sponsorships, and major philanthropic investments.
Lead the University’s planned-giving program, including strategy development for bequests and estate-planning vehicles.
Train and support gift officers, deans, and campus leaders in cultivating and closing planned gifts.
Oversee planned-giving marketing efforts and manage the Hobart Society for recognition and stewardship.
Provide strategic direction for donor and alumni special events to support cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising outcomes.
Leverage events to strengthen relationships and advance major, corporate, foundation, and planned-giving objectives.
Collaborate across Advancement, alumni engagement, events, communications, and academic partners to ensure cohesive planning and messaging.
Represent the University at internal and external events while upholding high standards of professionalism, integrity, and compliance in all fundraising activities.
Sets and models standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality across all fundraising and event-related activities.
Perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate to the role.