Vice President of University Advancement Widener University Chester, PA http://www.widener.edu/ Send Nominations or Cover Letter and Resume to: Lisa Abair Vuona Vice President or Gretchen Dwyer Senior Consultant 617-262-1102 Widener@LLLSearches.com Introduction Widener University s commitment to academic excellence, career preparation and civic engagement are at the core of its success. These values are incorporated into top-ranked programs in nursing, engineering, social work, arts & sciences, physical therapy, clinical psychology, business, and law. Widener meets students where they are in their education journeys, with associate, baccalaureate, master and doctoral degrees. Widener also has the distinction of hosting two law schools that operate independently from each other Widener University Delaware Law School and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Widener's unique culture of collegiality and collaboration thrives on the shared goal to ensure the professional and personal success of every student. The University s close-knit community of top- WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 1
notch teachers, nationally renowned researchers and students from 48 states and 37 countries is passionate about learning, leadership and making a difference. The Vice President of University Advancement will lead and inspire a team of 30-35 in university advancement, inclusive of: development, alumni relations, marketing and communications. The Vice President will also develop and implement a strategy for the University s upcoming comprehensive campaign. University Overview: Founded in 1821 as a preparatory school for boys in Wilmington, Delaware, the institution now known as Widener University moved to Pennsylvania in 1862. It was known from 1892 to 1972 as Pennsylvania Military College and graduate programs were introduced in 1966. In 1972, the Corps of Cadets disbanded, and the name Widener College was adopted after the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia. The School of Law was acquired in 1975, which was split in 2015 to become two separate law schools - one on the University's Delaware campus and another in Harrisburg. This decision was in recognition that the two campuses had developed powerful and distinctive identities specific to their geographic locations. Widener University Delaware Law, the only law school in Delaware, has a particular strength in corporate law and is an integral part of the legal community in America s corporate capital. Widener University Commonwealth Law is focused on the interaction of law and government and leverages its proximity to the Pennsylvania state capital to enrich students experiences. In recognition of its comprehensive offerings, Widener College became Widener University in 1979. Today, Widener is a three-campus university offering more than 80 programs of study to 3,591 undergraduates and 2,811 graduate students across three campuses and online. Widener s distinctive collection of programs reflect its foundational belief that the liberal arts and sciences and professional/pre-professional programs are mutually reinforcing. The University is proud to embrace the following seven schools and colleges: WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 2
College of Arts and Sciences School of Business Administration School of Engineering School of Human Service Professions School of Nursing Delaware Law School (in Wilmington, DE) Commonwealth Law (in Harrisburg, PA) In addition, Widener has developed innovative interdisciplinary offerings, including pioneering graduate programs in Human Sexuality and inventive programming offered by the Oskin Leadership Institute. Points of Pride: The Wall Street Journal ranks Widener University a Top 10 Philadelphia-area school among more than 100 schools in the region; In a recent survey, 90% of Widener seniors rated their overall Widener experience as "excellent" or "good." Additionally, Widener students satisfaction with their education is six percentage points higher than the norm at four-year private colleges and universities in the Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory. Payscale ranked Widener among the top 25% of universities nationwide on the basis of alumni median salary; Widener s Social Work program was ranked as the number one online social work graduate program by graduateprograms.com; Widener received a 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) honorary mention from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine; U.S. News & World Report has listed Commonwealth Law School as a nationally ranked top law school in its "Best Graduate Schools 2018" guidebook; Widener s graduate physical therapy program was ranked among the nation s top 40 by gradschools.com; WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 3
International Jurist named Delaware Law School s LLM degree to three impressive best lists: Law School Experience, Career Opportunities, and Value ; The National Jurist magazine ranked Widener Law Commonwealth number five in the country on its "Best Schools for Bar Exam Preparation" list. Widener has the first undergraduate Robotics Engineering major in the region, one of only two in the Eastern US, and one of only 10 nationwide; Widener s School of Nursing is one of only four nationwide to be recognized as a National Center for Excellence in the Science of Nursing Education; Widener's online MBA in Healthcare Management was named one of the top 50 programs in the nation by MBA-Healthcare- Management.com. Mission and Values: A Commitment to Academic Rigor and Student Success At the heart of a Widener education is the transformation of its students into scholars, leaders and globally-engaged citizens. Its faculty, supported by staff and administrators, meet this goal in several ways. A 12:1 student/faculty ratio allows for close interactions between faculty and students and facilitates experiential learning. Newly constructed buildings, such as Founders Hall and Freedom Hall, provide state-of-the-art facilities for a number of academic programs. The richness of the student experience goes much further than a broad array of academic programs, up-todate facilities and small class sizes. A solid liberal arts and sciences core is the foundation for all undergraduate programs. These values are complemented by leadership programs that help students develop competency, character and courage. WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 4
A Commitment to Civic Engagement Widener s civic engagement is known, valued, promoted and lived by senior administrators, faculty, staff and undergraduate and graduate students alike. Through its leadership and conviction to work with and in the local community, Widener has created an environment of service and a willingness to engage in partnership. This environment is enhanced by and reinforces the academic rigor and focus on student transformation that is at the heart of the Widener mission. Widener has received national recognition for its achievements in civic engagement and service learning. The University has been placed on the President s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for six consecutive years, including as a President s Award finalist in 2013. A Commitment to Leadership Development With leadership development as a strategic goal, Widener established the Oskin Leadership Institute in 2011. The Institute aims to inspire students to be strategic leaders and responsible citizens who possess the character, competencies and courage to affect positive change throughout the world. The Institute offers a certificate program and minor for undergraduates, special classes for selected high school students from the area, campus-wide lectures from distinguished scholars and corporate leaders, support for faculty and graduate student research on leadership issues and leadership training for corporate executives. Strategic Plan: After an inclusive, collaborative and transparent planning process, the University s Board of Trustees approved the Vision 2021 strategic plan in May 2014. Vision 2021 outlines the University s goals through Widener s bicentennial. The arrival of President Wollman in January 2016 inspired a fresh look at Vision 2021. To learn more about the Strategic Goals of Widener University, please click Goals. WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 5
University Leadership Dr. Julie E. Wollman President For more than 25 years, Dr. Julie E. Wollman has been a passionate, fearless and effective advocate and leader in higher education. She is the tenth president of Widener University, a role she assumed in January of 2016. Guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence, she has articulated a clear vision and distinct goals for the University, focused on providing an unparalleled student experience. Dr. Wollman leads with enthusiasm, authenticity and a strong respect for others. She is nationally recognized specifically for her commitment to building community and bringing people from varying perspectives together to engage in conversation. In the fall of 2017, Dr. Wollman launched Common Ground, an ongoing University-wide initiative designed as a model for challenging the polarization plaguing our society. Common Ground involves faculty, students and staff listening respectfully and engaging in reasoned civil discourse on challenging topics in settings ranging from public-moderated forums to one-onone conversations. Under Dr. Wollman s leadership, Widener has garnered substantial regional and national recognition. The spring 2016 results of a national survey yielded the University s highest-ever levels of student satisfaction. Since then, the University received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, and notable rankings in graduateprograms.com, gradschools.com, financial-planning.com, LendEDU, U.S. News & World Report, and The Wall Street Journal. Dr. Wollman is a frequent commentator and dynamic speaker on inclusion, education-related public policy issues, higher education affordability and leadership, appearing regularly in print, online and broadcast media outlets. Most recently, she was featured on HuffingtonPost.com and Chronicle.com, the website of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Dr. Wollman has also published extensively on these topics in publications including The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Business Journal and The Hechinger Report. Dr. Wollman frequently engages with her various constituent communities, serving on the boards of several local, regional and national organizations, including the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County, an economic development organization, where she serves as Board Vice-Chair; the Global Philadelphia Association; WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 6
Pennsylvania Campus Compact; the Middle Atlantic Conference of the NCAA; and the American Association of University Administrators. Prior to joining Widener University, Dr. Wollman served as president of Edinboro University, and held academic leadership positions at Wheelock College, Worcester State University and Rhode Island College. She earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, her Master of Science in education from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctor of Philosophy in education from New York University. Dr. Wollman is the recipient of numerous teaching, academic, and professional awards and recognitions. Most recently, she was named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a 2017 Women of Distinction and one of its People to Watch for 2018, as well as one of Main Line Today magazine s 2017 Women on the Move. The Opportunity Vice President of University Advancement The Office of University Advancement includes development, alumni relations and University-wide marketing and communications. The University has recently completed a feasibility study for a comprehensive campaign to be launched within the next 18-24 months. (Goals and priorities for the campaign are in discussion.) Position Overview: Widener University is currently seeking an exemplary professional to serve as its next Vice President of University Advancement. Reporting to President Dr. Julie E. Wollman, the Vice President (VP) will oversee the departments of Development and Alumni Relations, University Relations, and the development offices of the Widener University Delaware Law School and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. The Vice President will serve on the President s Leadership Team and Executive Team and will lead a team of 30-35 professionals in the engagement of Widener s constituencies to build to new and higher levels of support and awareness of the University. Description of Duties and Responsibilities: Essential Functions Development and Alumni Relations Lead the University s fundraising and alumni relations activities. Design and implement a comprehensive plan to bring Widener s fundraising and alumni relations work to new levels of excellence, including significantly increasing annual giving and preparation for a forthcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign. WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 7
Partner with the President in her role as chief fundraiser in cultivating and soliciting transformative gifts. Guide and support the trustees, executive team colleagues and other key volunteers in development activities. Manage a portfolio of top principal and major gift donors and donor prospects, while leading by example in the thoughtful engagement and gift solicitation of the University s most significant donors; Refine the current prospect management system that ensures the engagement, solicitation and stewardship of current donors and the identification of new donors; Design a blueprint for the engagement of Widener s 60,000 alumni, including Pennsylvania Military College alumni. Introduce new ways to connect with alumni and friends across generations with a goal of increasing participation among younger alumni groups and creating a pipeline of future support for the University. Actively use data to assess the effectiveness of the University s fundraising programs and to guide the University s fundraising strategies; Assume overall responsibility for all advancement budgets, including special budgets for campaigns; In collaboration with the President, manage University Advancement expectations with the Board, prepare materials and updates periodically to the Board and attend Board and committee meetings as appropriate; Be an active and collaborative partner across campus, building solid relationships with the Provost, Deans, faculty, enrollment management and other staff. University Relations Lead the University Relations department, which is responsible for marketing, communications, public relations and brand management; Oversee plans for marketing and communications across the University; Partner closely with University colleagues including enrollment management, to ensure the provision of a first-rate undergraduate and graduate recruitment, marketing and communications program; Identify and articulate the messages and stories that will raise the visibility of the University around the world and resonate with members of the Widener community; Lead efforts to proactively tell the Widener story, especially through national media placement and other high-impact channels; Foster creativity and innovation in University communications. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proven experience as a senior administrator at the highest level of educational leadership including university or college presidents, members of boards of trustees and additional non-profit leaders; WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 8
Demonstrated success as a major and principal gift fundraiser; Demonstrated knowledge of launching and managing a successful comprehensive campaign; Track record of bringing passion and drive to the leadership of a comprehensive advancement program; Leadership qualities that inspire both professional staff and volunteers, including the following: integrity, intelligence, strategic vision, optimism, assertiveness, sound judgment, creativity, diplomacy, decisiveness, team spirit and a sense of humor. Exemplary written and oral communications skills; Experience with advancement software databases is required. Familiarity with Raiser s Edge software is highly desirable. Qualification Standards: Education/Experience: Minimum of a B.A./B.S.; Master s Degree is preferable. A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in college or university advancement and a minimum of five (5) years of staff management are required. Widener University is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment practices on any basis including sex, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other protected status covered by federal, state or local law. Location Philadelphia Metro Area: Widener University s main campus is located just off I-95, twenty minutes from Philadelphia, the nation s sixth largest city and home to world-class art, culture, sports, entertainment and history. The main campus sits on 110 acres and has benefited from $220 million in new construction and renovations over the past decade. WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 9
Background Checks: Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. LLLS does verify academic credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to finalizing an offer. To learn more, call Lisa Abair Vuona, Vice President or Gretchen Dwyer, Senior Consultant at 617-262-1102 or send nominations or cover letter and resume to Widener@LLLSearches.com. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Setting the Standard in Development Search LOIS L. LINDAUER SEARCHES, LLC 420 Boylston Street, Suite 604, Boston, MA 02116 617.262.1102 www.lllsearches.com WIDENER UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS 10