Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & External Relations

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & External Relations

Bargaining Unit: Management Confidential.
Salary: Exempt; 12 months per year.
Final date to receive applications: Open Until Filled.
Priority Screening: March 25, 2026 at 4PM EST.

SUNY Ulster County Community College, a two‑year branch of the State University of New York located ninety miles north of New York City in the Catskill Mountains, is currently accepting applications for an Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & External Relations. The Executive Director oversees strategic areas for SUNY Ulster to build resources and increase awareness and advocacy for the institution to enable the College to accomplish its mission.

Remains an umbrella heading for the following specialized areas.

The Executive Director is responsible for planning, managing, coordinating and evaluating activities that attract philanthropic support, including developing and implementing strategies that generate sustainable growth in annual giving and planned gifts, capturing donor interest and increasing corporate support. The role maintains close collaboration with the Foundation Board of Directors, the President, Vice Presidents and Deans; it includes identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts, building and maintaining donor relationships, and leading staff to achieve fundraising initiatives such as recognition programs, special campaigns, and events.

The Executive Director oversees the College’s scholarship and planned‑giving programs, and ensures compliance with all regulatory oversight requirements.

Key member of a collaborative team with the College’s Marketing Team, responsible for public and media relations strategic planning, communication strategy, planning and messaging, media outreach and story placement. Specific duties include developing and maintaining strong relationships with regional, local and industry trade news media, leading and overseeing all media relations activities to secure opportunities that share the work of the Foundation and College.

The Executive Director develops, implements and evaluates programs to engage alumni and encourage increased alumni support and involvement with College programs. Oversight includes implementation of an alumni strategic plan, programs, events and recognition ceremonies, and coordination of alumni communications and publications related to fundraising and alumni activities, such as newsletters, social media, targeted emails and other outreach.

Plans and administers the budget of Institutional Advancement to ensure operation within fiscal constraints. Must be media savvy, an excellent writer, and experienced in executing media and social media campaigns, with a proven track record of media success and measurement.

• Superb written and oral communication skills; comfortable presenting to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate colleagues and volunteers.
• Engaging manner; ability to develop trust and build collaborative relationships.
• Proven track record in cultivating, soliciting, and securing funding.
• Experience in goal setting, team building, and utilizing technology to further philanthropic goals.
• Excellent judgment, analytical and decision‑making skills; integrity and ethical standards.
• Energy, drive, and an even‑keeled temperament to handle multiple priorities and viewpoints.
• Consultative and advisory style; ability to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Creative problem‑solving abilities that contribute to solutions.

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 5 years related experience. Preference for community college or higher education setting.
• Strong commitment to the college’s goals of providing quality courses for culturally, socio‑economically, ethnically, and academically diverse students and students with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment with sensitivity to non‑traditional and re‑entry students.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a productive…