Vice President for Advancement

A unique international leader in higher education, Marist University seeks an innovative, aspirational, and highly experienced vice president for advancement to lead the institution’s next era of philanthropic growth and impact. As a close partner and direct report to President Kevin C. Weinman, the next vice president will join Marist at a key inflection point in preparation for its 2029 centennial. In a historic change for the institution, Marist College renamed itself as Marist University in January 2025 following approval from the New York State Board of Regents. In 2023, the university unveiled Marist 100, an ambitious seven-year strategic plan, and the early stages of a comprehensive campaign for which the vice president will be a key driver and strategist.

This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing leader to join a transformational president and an institution with enormous potential as one of the nation’s most innovative and impactful universities prepared to meet the challenges faced by contemporary higher education. Marist is regularly recognized by industry publications for its excellent programs and student outcomes. U.S. News & World Report ranked Marist in the top 10 Best Regional Universities in the North. Marist has also recently been included in the Princeton Review’s lists of “Best 386 Colleges” and “Colleges that Change Futures.” Marist ranks #8 in the nation for “happiest students” as reported by the Princeton Review, and the Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors report ranks Marist first in the nation for study abroad participation. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance regularly ranks Marist among the “100 Best Buys in Private Colleges,” and Barron’s also named Marist one of the “Best Buys in College Education.”

Located in the scenic and historic Hudson River Valley in Poughkeepsie, New York, Marist has transformed since its founding in 1929. What was once a small training ground for Marist Brothers has evolved into a complex educational institution with a global reach. With state-of-the-art facilities, a spectacular campus only a 95-minute train ride from New York City, and a branch campus in Florence, Italy, Marist’s approximately 6,400 students have nearly limitless opportunities. The 257 full-time and 325 part-time faculty members work across six academic schools to provide education that uniquely blends the liberal arts and pre-professional studies – something Marist calls “the power of and, not or” – to prepare students for successful and fulfilling lives and careers.

The vice president will have a deep passion for the mission of this outstanding university dedicated to helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. A minimum of 10 to 15 years of leadership experience in fundraising, constituency engagement, and campaign and staff management is required, as is a comprehensive knowledge of strategies employed in the major advancement and alumni engagement functions. The vice president will also carry a track record of significant personal success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at principal gift levels. Experience leading all aspects of a complex team, including structuring, managing, retaining, motivating, and evaluating staff, is essential.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim, Maureen Perry, and Ryan Cheung. 

EEO Statement: Marist College is committed to creating a diverse workforce on our campus by ensuring that barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. To this end, the College will strive to achieve the full and fair participation of minorities, women, people with disabilities, and any other protected groups found to be under-represented.

Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes persons in one of these protected groups. The College will review its employment policies and procedures to ensure that barriers which may unnecessarily exclude protected groups are identified and eliminated. The College will also explore alternative approaches if any policy or practice is found to have a negative impact on protected groups.

Marist's policy of non-discrimination includes not only employment practices but also extends to all services and programs provided by the College. It shall be considered a violation of College policy for any member of the community to discriminate against any individual or group with respect to employment or attendance at Marist College on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other condition established by law.