PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STORRS, CONNECTICUT
THE SEARCH
The University of Connecticut Foundation (Foundation) seeks an accomplished and seasoned development professional to serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) and provide oversight to a comprehensive advancement operation that has generated considerable momentum over that last five years. The Foundation was formed to support the goals and aspirations of the University of Connecticut (UConn), one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, public research universities. The position becomes available at a pivotal time in UConn’s history, as the University prepares for the arrival of a new president and continues its efforts to enhance academic programs; bolster research opportunities; and ensure that students have the skills and knowledge they need to be productive members of the global community.
The president and CEO reports to the board of directors of the Foundation and supervises a team of 152 staff members. In collaboration with the president of the University, key academic and administrative leaders, and Foundation board members, the president and CEO will define and articulate a bold vision that will continue the upward trajectory of the advancement operation and build upon the excitement generated by the appointment of a new leader of the University. The president and CEO will foster a culture of achievement and innovation; set high expectations for the overall office and individual staff members; and ensure that all members of the UConn community—faculty, students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni—are meaningfully engaged in the life of the University.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of ten years experience leading an advancement operation to new levels of growth; a track record of success engaging key stakeholders and constituents and maximizing their level of philanthropic support; and an ability to recruit, mentor, and empower an effective, integrated team, and provide them with the support and opportunities they need for continued growth and development.
The Foundation has retained the services of Jack Gorman of Isaacson, Miller, an executive search firm based in Boston, to conduct the search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document.
Boston | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Washington, DC
THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
The University of Connecticut was founded in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural College, and within the next decade became the state’s land-grant college. In 1933, the institution was renamed Connecticut State College and began awarding Bachelor of Arts degrees. The institution was renamed the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 1939, and has since expanded to meet the higher educational needs of the citizens of Connecticut and beyond.
UConn has 14 schools and colleges on multiple campuses. The University consists of its main campus in Storrs, UConn Health – an academic medical center that includes John Dempsey Hospital and UConn’s Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine – as well as four regional campuses, a Law School, and Graduate Business Center in Hartford.
Storrs is approximately 30 minutes from Hartford, and spans 443 bucolic acres. The University extends beyond Storrs and has an important presence throughout the state, with regional campuses located in Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury. The UConn School of Law is in Hartford, just a few minutes away from the state capitol. UConn Health’s main campus in Farmington, 45 minutes from Storrs, is home to the UConn John Dempsey Hospital, UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, UConn School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine. UConn Health is home to a thriving research enterprise, including a partnership with the Jackson Laboratories, which has built a research complex on the medical center’s campus. UConn continues to invest in the Storrs campus while enormous opportunity exists to develop signature programs at the regional campuses that will differentiate UConn from its peers and support local communities.
CAMPUSES
Total enrollment on all UConn campuses was 32,182 students in academic year 2017-18, including 23,845 undergraduate students (19,241 at the Storrs campus and 4,604 at the regional campuses) and another 8,337 in the graduate and professional schools. At the regional campuses, students may begin their first two years of study and transfer seamlessly to the Storrs campus, or they may complete their four-year degree if offered on site. Graduate programs are also offered and developed in accordance with the educational needs of the communities they serve.
Storrs is the main campus centrally located between Boston and New York City, and 30 miles from Hartford, the state’s capital. It is the historic campus which houses a full array of academic programs.
UConn Health-Farmington is the second largest of the campuses and houses the clinical care, advanced biomedical research, and academic programs in medicine and dentistry. Nearly half of the University annual operating budget is devoted to UConn Health.
Hartford offers the benefits of a public research university in the state capital. The School of Law and School of Social Work are both located in Hartford, and in August 2017, the operations of UConn's West Hartford campus moved to a new site in downtown Hartford. The development of the Hartford campus was an essential part of
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the state’s strategy to educate all of Connecticut and to revitalize Hartford. The campus’ important, strategic proximity to municipal, state and federal government buildings in addition to major corporate offices, not-for-profit organizations and hospitals is a unique educational asset to students and researchers.
Stamford offers four-year undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines with graduate degrees in business and nursing. Enrollment at Stamford has grown dramatically, as students take advantage of the close proximity to New York City and access to Fortune 500 companies, investment, and banking institutions, and community-based organizations. The campus, which has become highly attractive to students, who prefer an urban and entrepreneurial setting, shows great potential for future growth.
Avery Point is home to the Connecticut Sea Grant College Program, the National Undersea Research Center, and the Long Island Sound Resource Center. In addition to four-year undergraduate programs, Avery Point offers a masters and doctoral program in oceanography, as well as graduate study in a variety of other disciplines and certification programs.
Waterbury offers a variety of undergraduate programs, many of which have distinguished themselves in community service, business, education, law, and politics, in partnership with UConn’s Hartford campus. Graduate level offerings include business administration, engineering, and education, as well as other professional certification programs.
FINANCES
Like most of its higher education counterparts, UConn has faced budgetary challenges in recent years. Compared to many public universities, however, UConn has fared well during the downturn; buildings are being built, investments in academics and research are underway, and the state’s citizens and leaders are highly vested in the University’s continued progress. The state recognizes the importance of not only the intellectual missions of the University, but also its contribution to the economic vitality of the state.
The University’s overall operating revenue for the Storrs and regional campuses for FY18 was $1.3 billion. Tuition and fees provide the largest source of revenue ($719 million, or 54%), followed by state support and gifts, grants, and contracts. The State of Connecticut provided $327.8 million (24%) of the revenue for the University’s Storrs and regional campuses in FY18, and awarded research grants and contracts totaling $129.8 million.
UConn Health, which is budgeted separately, had revenue of over $1 billion in FY18, with almost $482.7 million deriving from net patient care and $54.7 million from research grants and contracts. UConn Health derived 22% of its funding from the State of Connecticut, amounting to $223.4 million in revenue. The University of Connecticut’s bond credit ratings by Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s remain consistently strong.
ATHLETICS
UConn’s athletic programs are nationally recognized for their excellence, integrity and focus on high academic standards. The Division of Athletics strives to provide quality facilities and
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programs that cultivate an exciting atmosphere for the University and the community. The UConn Division of Athletics offers 24 intercollegiate sports programs. UConn is a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and NCAA Division I. Athletic facilities include the Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, the XL Center, the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex, the Joseph J. Morrone Stadium, the Hugh S. Greer Field House, and the Wolff-Zackin Natatorium.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT FOUNDATION
The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 1964. It operates exclusively to promote the educational, scientific, cultural, research and recreational objectives of the University of Connecticut. In doing so, The Foundation provides quality programs and services for its alumni and supporters, and serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for the University. The Foundation solicits, administers and invests private funds for the sole benefit of the University and its mission of pursuing excellence in teaching, research and public service.
The University and the Foundation have established a fee-for-service arrangement, under the terms of an annual operating agreement, which stipulates that the Foundation will conduct private fundraising on behalf of the University. This is a longstanding practice at UConn and most other major public universities. It is also fully consistent with Connecticut statutes governing the proper University-Foundation relationship.
Effective July 1, 2015, the Foundation also assumed all alumni engagement responsibilities for the University of Connecticut. This expanded role for the Foundation was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and is codified in the agreement between the Foundation and the University.
ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT
The UConn Foundation enjoys robust support from its 257,000+ alumni constituency, and its culture of philanthropy continues to grow. The Foundation raised $82.45 million in contributions and pledged commitments for FY’18, the largest annual amount in the Foundation’s history and a 15 percent increase compared to FY’17. In the last four years, donors to the University made commitments and gifts totaling more than $300 million, by far the best four-year period in UConn’s history.
At a time when the number of Americans giving to charity is declining, the Foundation is also pleased to report that its donor count increased last fiscal year. All told, 22,260 people made contributions or pledged commitments in FY’18, a modest increase of donors compared to FY’17. A year-over-year increase in donors hasn’t occurred since 2013 and reflects the results of a new approach to donor engagement at the Foundation. Of the gifts recorded in FY’18, 62% came from alumni and students, 2% from parents, 16% from other individuals, 8% from corporations, 5% from foundations, and 5% from other entities.
At the close of FY’18, the University’s total endowment had grown from $42 million in 1995 to approximately $440 million. The University received $25 million in disbursements from the UConn Foundation in FY’18.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The UConn Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of elected directors, drawn from corporations and community organizations, as well as ex-officio members from the University administration, faculty, and student body. The Board’s strong constituency reflects the set of professional backgrounds, skills, and knowledge necessary to achieve ambitious goals for the Foundation. Its members give time, expertise and financial resources, helping UConn become one of the top public research universities in the nation.
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT FOUNDATION
The president and CEO of the University of Connecticut Foundation will provide oversight and strategic direction to a comprehensive advancement operation that includes: annual, major, planned and principal giving; corporate and foundation relations; advancement services; alumni relations; financial operations, and marketing and communication.
With support from a committed staff of 152 individuals, the president and CEO will build upon the strength of the existing program and seek ways to deepen the culture of philanthropy; attract new donors by utilizing data-mining techniques and increasing volunteer solicitation opportunities; provide meaningful engagement opportunities for members of the UConn community through programming that showcases students and alumni and education and research initiatives at the University; and enhance the visibility of UConn as a top-ten national research university through targeted messaging that highlights innovative faculty research, accomplishments of students, and the impact the University has on the state, region and country.
In addition to the position’s formal duties, the president and CEO must be an integral member of the UConn community and participate as an inclusive leader, partner, and contributor across the institution.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Guidance of Advancement Operation
Formulate a multi-year fundraising and engagement strategy that will broaden and strengthen UConn’s outreach efforts on a regional, national, and international scale; undertake other initiatives that ensure a best-in-class, comprehensive advancement operation that is innovative, strategic and provides continued increases in philanthropic support
Maintain relationships with existing donors and systematically and strategically identify, cultivate, solicit and steward potential new individual and institutional donors capable of making significant contributions to UConn; determine ways to translate the deep appreciation for and active engagement alumni have in the University into significant philanthropic support
Ensure that the University’s stewardship of donors make supporting UConn a personally fulfilling experience; convey to donors that the University and its leaders care deeply
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about its supporters and appreciate what they have done for UConn; demonstrate the impact their contributions have on the University
Reach out to and engage key business, civic, and government leaders across the state and beyond and communicate to them the impact and critical role the University has on the region, state, and country
Oversee all of the administrative processes of the Foundation including: personnel management, payroll, procurement, fiscal planning, investment and distribution of endowment funds, and policy development and analysis.
Management of Staff
Set clear direction and priorities for a staff of 152 professional and administrative support personnel; promote excellence through well-defined and measureable goals; ensure that staff members adhere to the University’s organizational values and maintain the highest ethical and professional standards
Recruit, train and mentor a committed, diverse, and productive staff that is well prepared to meet the aspirations of the University and the goals and objectives set forth by the new president and his/her leadership team
Maintain a leadership style that is open and fluid, and capable of inspiring, empowering, and motivating staff; foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards performance, supports new ideas and risk-taking, builds confidence, encourages interaction and teamwork, and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural values; celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future success.
Fundraising Duties
Personally cultivate and successfully solicit new and existing prospects capable of making significant gifts in support of UConn
Develop a keen understanding for the University’s funding needs and be able to articulate those priorities in clear and compelling terms to targeted communities
As the chief spokesperson for the Foundation, travel throughout the United States and abroad, representing UConn and building relationships with donors, prospects, and leaders.
Engagement of College Leaders
Guide the president in his/her role as chief spokesperson and fundraiser for the University, serving as an advisor and co-strategist in cultivating and soliciting transformative gifts; ensure that the president’s time is optimally used
Cultivate strong working relationships with administrators, faculty and staff across the University; ensure that the Foundation is seen as a collaborative, responsive partner able to address professionally opportunities and concerns raised by key stakeholders
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Provide the highest level of personal support to Foundation board members and key volunteer leaders for their activities on behalf of the University; ensure that their experience is meaningful, productive, and enjoyable
Work closely with deans and faculty in the fundraising process and provide them with the resources and tools they need to engage alumni and other donors in support of the priorities of their schools.
Alumni Relations Programs
Build upon the success of a robust alumni relations program and create initiatives that will offer alumni an opportunity to advance the mission of UConn
Ensure that programs and initiatives, opportunities for volunteer participation, and goals and aspirations set by University leadership are known to the alumni body
Educate academic leadership on the importance of building relationships with alumni and convey to them how these strong connections are mutually beneficial and valuable to their work and to the life of the University.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience and proven success in a shared-governance environment, preferably within a large research university; experience serving on a senior leadership team and contributing at the strategic level
Experience and a proven track record elevating an existing advancement program, utilizing established metrics and performance standards, and resulting in a transformative increase in philanthropic revenue for an institution
Significant experience and a proven track record of success launching, executing, and completing a comprehensive campaign
Personal success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual and institutional donors at the six- and seven-figure levels; the ability to inspire high net worth individuals, corporations, and major foundations to philanthropic leadership
The professional credibility, intellectual depth, maturity, wisdom, and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the president, senior leaders, faculty, trustees, board members, students, parents, and other key constituents
Experience working with board members and volunteers and ensuring that they are meaningfully engaged; the ability to manage complex relationships
A keen eye for operational efficiency and optimal use of resources; the ability to plan, monitor, and tightly manage a budget
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An understanding of investment and portfolio management principles and financial administration, as well as an ability to work with financial professionals
Superlative communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds, and to convey genuine respect for every individual
A self-starter who uses an entrepreneurial approach to building and guiding a development program and has the ability to reach out to a broader community to promote the mission of an institution
The political savvy to navigate a complex academic community; the desire and ability to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships across a university with a diverse alumni and constituent body
Track record identifying and recruiting talented staff members who can strengthen an existing team and contribute to the overall success of an organization; experience increasing effectiveness of a team and an operation through established goals and performance metrics to bring out the best in staff; and a commitment to professional development and growth of staff members
The ability to analyze information and think strategically, critically, and creatively; the ability to transform new ideas into executable and enduring programs; a problem-solver who can offer effective solutions to issues facing not just advancement, but departments, programs, and units across campus.
TO APPLY
This search is being led by Jack Gorman with John Solmonese, Becky Piper, and Kaleigh Hoffman. For more information, to make a nomination, or to apply for this role, please visit:
www.imsearch.com/6813
The University of Connecticut Foundation is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity in its workforce.
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ADDENDUM: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
John P. Malfettone ’77 (Chair) John R. Fodor (Interim President and Chief Executive Officer) Michael Koppel ’78 (Treasurer) Craig W. Ashmore ’85 (Secretary) Gerald J. Ganz, Jr. (Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer) Jake Lemon (Senior Vice President for Development)
Members
Ray Allen Professional Basketball Player (retired)
Craig W. Ashmore ’85 Principal, Platinum Equity, LLC Beverly Hills, CA
George R. Aylward ’88 President and Chief Executive Officer, Virtus Investment Partners Hartford, CT
Mark A. Beaudoin ’82 Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Ziff Capital Partners New York, NY
Alan Bennett ’69 Ropes & Gray (retired) Washington, DC
Sue Bird ’02 Professional Basketball Player Seattle, WA
Melinda T. Brown ’77 ’85 Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller, Tapestry, Inc., New York, NY
Patrick M. Campion ’83 Chief Executive Officer of the Private Bank of the Americas, Deutsche Bank New York, NY
Noha H. Carrington ’85 President and Founder, Carrington Strategic Advisors Fairfield, CT
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William Clemens III, ’89 ’98 Partner, Russell Reynolds Associates Stamford, CT
Leah Darak ’95 Women’s Health Connecticut Huntington, CT
Angelo DeFazio ’85 President and Chief Executive Officer, Arrow Pharmacy and Nutrition Center Canton, CT
Frances K. Del Boca Ph.D ’71 UConn Health (retired) Chicago, IL
Amy Errett ’79 Chief Executive Officer, Madison Reed San Francisco, CA
Drew Figdor ’83 Partner, TIG Advisors, LLC New York, NY
David H. Ford ’88 Latigo Partners, LP New York, NY
Albert J. Foreman ’95 Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Tuatara Capital New York, NY
Jonathan Greenblatt ’77 Partner, Shearman & Sterling LLP Washington, DC
Steven M. Greenspan ‘85 Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel, United Technologies Corporation Farmington, CT
Debra Hess ’86 Self-employed Old Greenwich, CT
Michael Koppel ’78 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Nordstrom, Inc. (retired) Bellevue, WA
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Douglas P. Lawrence ’97 Managing Principal, Five Stone Green Capital LLC New York, NY
John P. Malfettone ’77 Senior Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC New York, NY
Kimberly T. Manning ’83 Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Cronin and Company, Inc. Glastonbury, CT
Benjamin W. Michelson ’96 Managing Partner, Sail Harbor Capital, LLC New York, NY
Joseph Parsons ’79 Bridgewater Associates, LP (retired) Weston, CT
William J. Quinlan, III ’92 President and Chief Operating Officer, Eversource Energy Manchester, NH
Lori Riiska ’84 Lori Riiska CPA, LLC Winsted, CT
Anthony Rizza ’87 Senior Managing Director, Columbus Circle Investors Westport, CT
Michael K. Rosen ’89 ’93 Attending Anesthesiologist, Northwell Health New York, NY
Adam L. Schwartz ’97 Co-President, S&S Worldwide Colchester, CT
Robert I. Sherman ’79 Senior Vice President of Strategic Development, Shenkman Capital Management, Inc. (retired) Stamford, CT
Mark C. Sinatro ’88 Owner, Sinatro Agency One LLC West Hartford, CT
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Mr. Robert J. Skinner ’93 Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, First Republic Bank Menlo Park, CA
Daniel D. Toscano ’87 Head of Global Leveraged Finance, Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. New York, NY
Nadine Francis West ’89 Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and Corporate Secretary, Protein Sciences Corporation Meriden, CT
Harriet Munrett Wolfe, Esq. ’76 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Webster Bank & Webster Financial Corporation Waterbury, CT
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