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William Paterson University seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the next Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The Vice President will provide strategic direction, vision and management to the University’s fundraising programs and leads all University comprehensive or specific fundraising campaigns and will work closely with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The expected start date is January 2026.

William Paterson University is a public regional university located in suburban Wayne, New Jersey. One of the largest universities in the state, with more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, the University has nearly 92,000 alumni, more than 70 percent of whom reside in New Jersey.

The University is among the most diverse universities in New Jersey and the region and approximately 40 percent of its students are the first in their families to attend college. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with approximately 30 percent of students indicating Hispanic heritage, and a Minority-Serving Institution with 59 percent students of color.

William Paterson University is among the top-ranked schools in its region, ranked no. 60 of 165 institutions in the Best Regional Universities-North category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of Best Colleges. It is also a U.S. News Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans. William Paterson’s undergraduate nursing degree program is ranked no. 254 out of 686 BSN programs nationwide, placing it in the top 37 percent of programs. Other William Paterson undergraduate programs ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report include business, ranked no. 353 out of 522 schools nationally, and psychology, ranked no. 355 out of 542 programs.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement provides strategic direction, vision and management to the University’s fundraising programs and leads all University comprehensive or specific fundraising campaigns. The Vice President oversees the planning, development, and administration of major and planned gifts, annual giving, alumni relations and supervision of a senior professional team. The Vice President serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and President of the University Foundation, working closely with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Additionally, the Vice President works collaboratively across the institution to train and educate members of the University community to be effective partners in fundraising.

For a full list of required and preferred qualifications and leadership agenda priorities, please visit the institutional profile linked above.

Applications should consist of a detailed cover letter addressed to the search committee, expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in the institutional profile, a current curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission. Applications, nominations, and inquiries may be sent to: WPUVPIA@academicsearch.org.

The position is open until filled, but full consideration can only be guaranteed to those applications received by October 10, 2025. Academic Search is assisting William Paterson University in this search. Confidential discussions are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting Maria Thompson, Managing Director. More information about William Paterson University is available at https://www.wpunj.edu/

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts and Office of Institutional Advancement.