VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Marymount University (Arlington, VA), one of the nation’s most vibrant Catholic institutions, invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for the next Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA). Marymount seeks a seasoned fundraiser who can build on the momentum of the University, partner with a dynamic president and talented leadership team, mobilize the energy of a new staff and infrastructure in the Office of University Advancement, and cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy in the University’s growing community. IDEAL LOCATION
Marymount’s location – in cosmopolitan Northern Virginia and just six miles from Washington, D.C. – offers a wealth of opportunities and resources for students, faculty, and staff as well as an outstanding platform for relationship building for Marymount’s leadership.
Northern Virginia is the most populated region in Virginia and the Washington metropolitan area with more than two million residents. The Arlington region has recently received a host of accolades. It was voted the number two city in the nation for graduates by MarketWatch, was ranked as the fittest city in the nation for the second year in a row by USA Today, and was found to be the number one most educated city in the country among midsize cities (and number four among all cities) by HeyTutor. It is also the economic engine of the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as the entire Washington metropolitan area. It boasts a large, diverse business community with a highly educated workforce and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Nearby Fairfax County is the second largest suburban office market in the United States and the largest in the Washington, D.C. area. It is also the largest office market in Virginia. The area is home to some of the nation’s leading health care organizations, such as the Inova Health System, Children’s National Medical Center, Virginia Hospital Center, and is near the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Northern Virginia is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and technology-based companies. Currently, nearly 70 percent of all Internet traffic flows through Northern Virginia. Amazon has recently established new headquarters in Arlington, further bolstering the area’s profile as a crucial hub for technology development.
The region also lays claim to world-class public school systems as well as some of the finest private schools in the country. Higher education plays a critical role in developing a highly skilled and competitive workforce. In addition to Marymount, Northern Virginia is home to several institutions of higher learning, including George Mason University, Virginia Tech – National Capital Region, and Northern Virginia Community College. Marymount is part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which also includes Georgetown, George Washington, American, Trinity, Johns Hopkins, and University of Maryland College Park, among others. INSTITUTIONAL MISSION Marymount is a comprehensive Catholic university, guided by the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐-centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual. CORE VALUES Reflecting the mission statement, Marymount has three core values:
1 Intellectual Curiosity
2 Service to Others
3 Global Perspective
Catholic colleges and universities have a long tradition of welcoming people of all backgrounds and faiths, and Marymount is an exemplar – providing a hospitable, diverse community where dialogue and friendship promote understanding and acceptance. At Marymount, each individual is recognized as a unique child of God whose contributions enrich the whole community. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Marymount is an independent, coeducational university offering The University, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of founded in 1950 disciplines. The University, founded in 1950 by the RSHM, was, and remains, Virginia’s only Catholic university and the only by the Religious university headquartered in Arlington. Marymount has grown into of the Sacred a comprehensive, coeducational institution, emphasizing career Heart of Mary preparation and advancement, promoting research in niche areas, (RSHM), was, and and building on top of a strong foundation of the liberal arts. remains, Virginia’s Marymount serves close to 4,000 students, of which about two only Catholic thirds are undergraduate and a third are graduate students. university. Marymount offers easy access to the region’s diverse political, historical, international, and cultural resources. The University also provides a full complement of academic and student services that ensure an outstanding education in a convenient, student- and career-focused environment.
In the fall of 2020, Marymount achieved a significant milestone when it was designated the first higher education institution in Virginia to qualify as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Marymount has taken concrete steps to support its many Hispanic students through the launching of ¡Avanzamos! (“Moving Forward Together”), the University’s holistic organizing framework employing a Latino lens for campus-wide programs and student success STUDENTS FROM efforts. It coordinates among departments and organizations within Marymount to ensure that 45 & 78 the University’s focus includes issues that impact STATES COUNTRIES its Latino population.
Marymount has been recognized nationally for other key accolades. The University is ranked Student Enrollment #31 in Regional Universities South in 2021 (up 6 places from last year), #18 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #51 in Best Value Schools, #2 in Ethnic Diversity, and #1 in its region for international student enrollment in U.S. News & G G World Report’s 2021 edition. Carnegie classifies 1,430 Graduate Students Marymount University as Master’s Large. Its student population is drawn from 46 states + and 78 countries with a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. There is a mix of residential and commuter students, and approximately 620 students live in one of six residence halls. Eighty- UG UG UG four (84) percent of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students receive some sort of 2,541 Undergraduate Students financial aid. = Marymount University’s main campus is located on 21 verdant, rolling acres in the north end of Arlington, a short Metro ride away from the nation’s capital. The main campus is home to 3,971 academic buildings, residence halls, the recently Total Student renovated Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel, the Enrollment Emerson G. Reinsch Library, the Rose Benté Lee Center, and the iconic Main House, which was once the home to Admiral Presley M. Rixey, naval surgeon general and personal physician to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Demographic Profile of McKinley. The Main House is used today for Total Student Population administrative offices as well as special events (Fall 2020) and serves as a landmark among the campuses’ 3% Other/ 7% Asian Not Reported more modern facilities. An addition to the main 15% Black/ campus, affectionately known as “the Miracle African American on 26th Street,” was completed in Fall 2010 and <1% Hawaiian/ includes a 52,000-square foot academic building, Pacific Islander a suite-style residence hall housing more than 20% Hispanic 200 students, underground parking, and an outdoor quad space for the campus community <1% Native American to gather. 37% White 4% More than one race 13% Nonresident Alien Ballston Center Ballston Center Fast Facts: Project cost: $75 million In addition to the main campus, Marymount is LEED Gold Certified very proud of its Ballston Center and its 4040 Public Plaza: 7,600 sq. ft. N. Fairfax site. Opened in August 2017, the Courtyard: 3,000 sq. ft. stunning Ballston Center includes a nine-story 160,000 square foot academic/office building Features: and 12-story, 200,000 square foot residential/ retail building, each with underground parking. Forensic Research Lab The complex is anchored by a public plaza and Cybersecurity Lab green space courtyard. Next door, The Rixey, a property acquired by Marymount in February Digital Learning Labs 2019, offers retail space as well as residential Finance Trading Room apartments, including Marymount graduate Conference Center * student housing and dedicated affordable Art Gallery - open to the public housing units. The 4040 N. Fairfax site is a leased space located just two blocks from the Ballston Seminar/Training Rooms * Metro, and it houses the University’s physical Auditorium * therapy doctoral program and clinic. Starbucks eat> Café Chapel *Available for Public Use ACADEMIC LIFE
Marymount offers academically talented students a demanding education with small classes and an engaged faculty. Marymount provides an array of rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs. A strong liberal learning core forms the foundation for the wealth of market-focused degree programs offered through Marymount’s colleges. Recently, Marymount restructured its existing academic programs into three highly focused colleges, each combining disciplines to create broader educational and research opportunities. The new structure, which was implemented during the fall 2020 semester, is designed to maximize interdisciplinary education and research while accommodating future student growth and program expansion to meet changing societal needs. The colleges include the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology; the College of Health and Education; and the College of Sciences and Humanities. Two dynamic centers – the Center for Global Engagement and the Saints Center for Service – offer inclusive and accessible academically-based programming, resources, and possibilities for collaboration both within Marymount and with external partners. The most popular undergraduate majors at Marymount include: Nursing; Business Administration; Information Technology; Health Sciences; and Criminal Justice. Programs in Art and Design are also a strength and magnets for new students. All students are required to complete an internship for graduation. The University also has a strong Honors College, and students frequently engage in in undergraduate research with their faculty.
Marymount offers more than 30 master’s and doctoral programs plus numerous dual master’s degree programs in a wide variety of highly sought-after disciplines and has earned accreditation or approval from prestigious organizations. Graduate programs prepare students for entry into, or advancement within, a diverse array of highly desirable disciplines. Small class size, individual attention, career mentorship, exceptional graduate internship opportunities, nationally accredited and well-respected programs, and highly qualified faculty are all characteristic of a Marymount graduate learning experience. Each program has developed a curriculum delivery format to best meet the needs of its students: utilizing full-time or part-time day or evening programs, plus various combinations of online and on-campus formats.
Marymount has 144 full-time teaching faculty, 84 percent of whom hold the highest degree in their fields of study. A full-time staff of 192 members and part-time staff of 249 constitute the University’s dedicated non-faculty and adjunct workforce. Staff members are partners in the academic enterprise at Marymount and embrace their roles as co- educators. The student-faculty ratio at Marymount is 14:1, and the average undergraduate class size is 16 students. The average freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 71 percent.
Marymount blends theory with hands-on learning. To help prepare students for a career, all undergraduates complete an internship, clinical experience, student-teaching placement, or research project. Certain graduate programs also require experiential learning components. Internships and experiential learning strengthen knowledge, test career interests, and provide valuable professional connections that can lead to employment opportunities. The Washington, D.C., region offers unparalleled internship options, from Capitol Hill and the Smithsonian to the National Institutes for Health, and international corporations. Marymount’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Empowering Students for Service, focuses on enhancing student learning through the lens of service. The focus of the QEP has emerged from one of the Marymount core values – service to others.
Marymount offers a broad array of study abroad programs in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Periodically, condensed, highly focused programs are offered for undergraduate and graduate students. Students also have the opportunity to intern abroad. STUDENT LIFE
Outside the classroom, students are involved in more than 25 clubs and organizations, including the Marymount University Student Government Association; career-oriented groups; and social, service, and special interest clubs as well as 14 honors societies. The student life experience maintains a focus on the development of the mind, body, and spirit of all students by creating intentional, inclusive, and enlivened learning environments and programs designed to prepare students to be active and engaged leaders in their professional and civic endeavors. Marymount strives to develop students who value service and the promotion of justice; take personal responsibility for their actions and challenge each other to create a safe, healthy, and supportive intercultural community; strengthen connections with one another, the University, local and global communities; promote the values of the RSHM and the overall Catholic identity of the University; and advance the University’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Student groups also plan and execute valued campus collaborations and beloved campus traditions. Included among them are Club Connections, Family Weekend, Glow- in-the Dark Easter Egg Hunt, Holi Celebration, Homecoming, International Week and Banquet, Late Night Breakfast, Marymount Actors Guild Fall/Spring Production, MU’s Got Talent, Portfolio in Motion Fashion Show, Saints Madness, Senior Week, Special Olympics, The Engagement Fair, Welcome Week, and more. ATHLETICS
Marymount has a nationally-ranked athletics program and is a NCAA Division III school. Marymount recently moved to the Atlantic East Conference. The University fields teams in men’s and women’s basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, volleyball, golf, outdoor track & field, tennis, softball, and men’s baseball. The program has garnered 22 conference championships and 26 NCAA tournament appearances. The average team GPA is a 3.27, and the student-athletes’ graduation rate is 68 percent with an 87 percent student- athlete academic success rate. Student- athletes are engaged citizens, historically contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service annually. A wide variety of intramural sports are also available at Marymount. ALUMNI
Marymount has active records for more than 16,000 alumni spanning the globe, with an impressive 60 percent of alumni still living in the Northern Virginia region. They are successful leaders in education, business and industry, design, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government, healthcare, athletics, and the fine and performing arts, among other sectors. FINANCES
Emerging from the global pandemic, Marymount will deploy an operating budget of nearly $120 million to fund its growing academic, athletic, and student programming for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. This represents an increase of nearly 10 percent over the prior year’s funding, fueled largely by continuing growth in its highly competitive graduate programs. The University is projected to enjoy an overall 1.5 percent positive margin at the close of the current fiscal year, followed by an overall 2.5 percent positive margin at the close of the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The University recently created a new subsidiary corporation, Marymount Management Company, LLC, to provide a flexible financial vehicle that will insource custodial, food services, property management, leasing and franchise services for the University and other nonprofit organizations. In time this new corporation is anticipated to contribute significantly to the University’s overall finances.
With a stable endowment of $50 million, approximately $4 million of operations will be funded in the 2021-2022 fiscal year from endowment distributions and the generous giving of its loyal alumni and longtime friends. These funds are essential in growing financial aid awards, used by the majority of students to meet the $54,416 cost of attendance. ACCREDITATION
Marymount is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees and was reaccredited in Spring 2018. In addition, many programs have specialized accreditations and approvals. For example, the Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). The School of Business is now in the process of seeking accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The Master of Science in Health Care Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. The interior design programs are accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation. GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
The new Vice President will join a learning community with a rich tradition of shared governance and inclusive decision making. The University maintains an active Faculty Council, Staff Council, and Student Government. Students, faculty, and staff are routinely represented on key committees and task forces. Transparency is deeply valued on the campus, as is broadly-based participation.
Board of Trustees
Marymount’s Board of Trustees is comprised of 28 members who are highly educated, many with terminal degrees, and represent a wide variety of professions. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year. The Board of Trustees provides fiduciary leadership of the University and conducts trustee business through various committees. For more information on the Board, please see www.marymount.edu/About-Mu/Welcome/Board- of-Trustees. LEADERSHIP
President
Dr. Irma Becerra took office as the seventh President of Marymount University in Arlington, Va., on July 1, 2018. In her first six months in the role, she launched the University’s new strategic plan, “Momentum,” which will guide the University over the five-year period from 2019 to 2024. The plan calls for Marymount to achieve national and international recognition for innovation and commitment to student success, alumni achievement, and faculty and staff excellence.
After three years as President, Dr. Becerra has introduced several initiatives with long- lasting effects in support of Marymount’s mission and vision for the future. This includes adding market-driven academic programs that prioritize career preparation, overseeing the transition to a new academic structure, acquiring The Rixey luxury apartment building adjacent to Marymount’s Ballston Center for residential life use, improving the University’s IT infrastructure through the implementation of the state-of-the-art enterprise resource planning application Workday, and successfully navigating the school community through the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Becerra is known for expanding educational access for students and keenly targeting programming to meet societal needs and changing demographics. Her academic career, both as student and professional, has blended mathematics, engineering and systems thinking and processes in her studies, teaching and administrative leadership.
A Cuban-born American, Dr. Becerra immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was an infant, living in Puerto Rico through high school. Those formative experiences ignited her mind, imbuing her with a passion for knowledge along with a deep-seated belief that “no one can take away your education.” She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Miami and went on to become the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Florida International University (FIU).
Prior to her current position, Dr. Becerra was the provost and chief academic officer at St. Thomas University. Prior to St. Thomas, she served at Florida International University (FIU) for almost three decades, including as a tenured professor in Management Information Systems and later as Entrepreneurship Center director, vice-provost and vice-president.
Senior Administrative Team Marymount has cultivated a strong senior administrative team with a notable spirit of commitment and collaboration. At present, the president’s senior administrative team includes:
• Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs • Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs • Vice President for University Advancement • Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer • Special Assistant to the President • Director of Athletics • Chief of Staff Office of University Advancement
Reporting to President Becerra, the Vice President for University Advancement will lead the Office of University Advancement. The Office of University Advancement encompasses all areas of development and alumni engagement. Reporting to the VPUA are the:
• Director of Annual Giving • Alumni Communications and Engagement Coordinator • Alumni Programs and Engagement Coordinator • Advancement Events Manager • Advancement Information Systems Manager • Director of Prospect Management • Data and Gifts Coordinator • Senior Administrative Assistant
The University successfully completed a capital campaign in June 2018, raising $40.5 million against a goal of $40 million and concluding two years ahead of schedule. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The Vice President for University Advancement will be expected to address the following challenges and opportunities: Build on Institutional Momentum: This year Marymount has achieved some key milestones including its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and winning a large HRSA grant. The University has weathered the pandemic extremely well and continues to move toward growth and positive change in many areas. The VPUA will collaborate with the campus to find ways to capitalize on this momentum, building on existing relationships and actively seeking to identify and form new connections with alumni, potential donors, community partners, corporations, and foundations. The VPUA will use this moment in time to increase the fundraising efforts, with a focus on major gifts, in support of Marymount’s strategic goals. Optimize Community and External Engagement: Marymount’s enviable location in Northern Virginia and proximity to the Washington, D.C. metro region provide a wealth of opportunities on multiple fronts. The VPUA will seek to forge strategic partnerships with leaders in business, industry, the nonprofit arena, and government relations. The VPUA will look to engage other Marymount leaders in outreach efforts, developing a cadre of institutional ambassadors. Lastly, the VPUA will be a visible and engaged member of the Arlington and Washington, D.C. communities, increasing Marymount’s recognition in the area and helping to build a reputation beyond the immediate region. Implement Best Practices: The Office of University Advancement has an eager new team in place. With this solid infrastructure, the VPUA will have the opportunity to guide the evolving office using best practices to increase overall giving and alumni engagement, and to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the advancement operation. The VPUA will set clear goals and expectations. Working in a collegial and closely-knit environment, the VPUA will be a charismatic leader of the team, a strong mentor, and a builder of shared goodwill. The VPUA will also maintain ties to national organizations and associations in the field of advancement to remain current with emerging new ideas and approaches in fundraising. Increase Alumni Engagement: Marymount was founded in 1950, and the alumnae/alumni base has shifted over the years as it evolved from a two-year women’s only institution to a comprehensive coeducational one. Many graduates continue to identify with the University through their various academic departments, athletic teams, and other special interests. There is a need to act on these interests and strengthen the University’s relationships with its graduates on a broader scale. The VPUA will work collaboratively across campus to create programs that continue to build on affinities, to cultivate relationships with alumni, to provide the opportunity for alumni to interact on a more comprehensive scale, and to enhance the structure that supports alumni activities. Collaborate with Internal Constituencies: With a new staff and evolving office in place, the VPUA will collaborate with academic and non-academic units across campus to share the office’s strategic vision, to understand the needs and desires for resources, and to create a system to centralize and prioritize outreach efforts. The VPUA will also work with, train, and empower academic and administrative leadership and key faculty members to identify, cultivate, and steward prospective and current donors. The VPUA will also be a thoughtful, strategic partner to the President and Board of Trustees in providing active leadership and guidance to increase Marymount’s institutional capacity and effectiveness in its advancement efforts. Manage Data with Care: The Office of University Advancement has recently transitioned its database to Raiser’s Edge. While the migration of data is complete, the team will continue to ensure the records are accurate and augment the database as new friends and connections are made. The VPUA will implement best practices in data management and optimize the use of Raiser’s Edge. DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS The next Vice President for Advancement will Marymount seeks a seasoned individual who can lead the of the Office of University Advancement have the ability with distinction and who is well-versed in current to communicate relationship-driven best practices within higher effectively with the education advancement. A minimum of a bachelor’s many constituencies degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. In whose contributions addition, the successful candidate will have at least 7-10 years of advancement experience, ideally in a are required for higher education setting, and possess the following the success of the professional and personal attributes: University. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and characteristics:
ability to develop and execute an aspirational philanthropic vision and strategy with measurable goals and objectives;
documented history of successful fundraising across a breadth of programs including annual, major, campaign, and planned giving;
experience with alumni relations and engagement;
experience with or exposure to corporate, foundation, and government relations;
experience with prospect and donor management technology and databases, such as Raiser’s Edge;
a resilient and nimble approach to advancement;
a team-player mentality with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships both internally and externally;
managerial experience supervising a team and experience overseeing and empowering various constituencies contributing to advancement efforts;
an entrepreneurial spirit;
an approachable and motivational leadership style that promotes mentoring, collaboration, professional development, and creativity;
ability to work with ambitious and energetic leadership;
respect and enthusiasm for the Catholic mission, values, and the RSHM heritage of the University, and an ability and willingness to contribute actively to this mission;
ability to communicate effectively with the many constituencies whose contributions are required for the success of the University including but not limited to administrators, faculty, Board members, athletic partners, alumni, donors, students, and community members;
intercultural competence and a global perspective with a deep commitment to celebrating and promoting diversity in its many forms; and,
energetic, optimistic, and hardy leadership qualities combined with good humor and a desire to provide respected, long-term leadership. THE PROCESS OF CANDIDACY
Review of candidates will begin immediately. For best consideration, please send all confidential nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest to:
Ms. Julie E. Tea, Managing Director Ms. Lindsay Allison, Senior Associate Storbeck Search [email protected]
Applications should include a letter of candidacy that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for a new VPUA and a complete résumé or vita
Marymount University is a diverse and welcoming learning community and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.