Morgan State University
Director of Development
Baltimore, MD
Reports to Assistant Vice President of Development
Situation Overview:
ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Director of Development for Morgan State University.
About Morgan State University:
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution providing instruction to a multiethnic, multiracial, multinational student body and offering more than 150 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan fulfills its mission to address the needs and challenges of the modern urban environment through intense community-level study and pioneering solutions.
Anchored in a charming residential area of northeast Baltimore, the breadth of Morgan’s expansive campus encompasses more than 185 acres extending beyond its sprawling campus proper which features state-of-the-art facilities geared toward innovative teaching and learning in the 21st century. The only university to have its entire campus, designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers a safe and inviting learning environment with easy access to the best the city has to offer: culture, exhibits, dining, shopping, activities, sightseeing and employment.
The off-campus opportunities also extend to community projects and civic engagement.
Morgan has graduated more than 55,000 degree candidates since its establishment more than 150 years ago, producing a passionately devoted corps of alumni who have found success in all areas of endeavor, in the U.S. and beyond.
Among the nation's most diverse Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the largest in Maryland, Morgan seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible.
Core Values
Leadership
Morgan seeks to provide rigorous academic curricula and challenging co-curricular opportunities to promote the development of leadership qualities in students and to facilitate leadership development among faculty, staff, and students.
Innovation
Morgan encourages and supports its faculty, staff, and students in all forms of scholarship including the discovery and application of knowledge in teaching and learning and in developing innovative products and processes.
Integrity
At Morgan, honest communications, ethical behavior, and accountability for words and deeds are expected from all members of the University community. Diversity
A broad diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and supported at Morgan as essential to quality education in a global interdependent society.
Students will have reasonable and affordable access to a comprehensive range of high quality educational programs and services.
Excellence
Excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative endeavors, student services, and in all aspects of the University's operations is continuously pursued at Morgan to ensure institutional effectiveness and efficiency.
Respect
Each person at Morgan is to be treated with respect and dignity and is to be treated equitably in all situations.
Mission & Values
Morgan State University's vision and mission statements as well as its core institutional values are consistent with the University's Carnegie Foundation classification as a doctoral research university and are intended to direct Morgan's strategic growth over the next decade.
Vision Statement
Morgan State University is the premier public urban research university in Maryland, known for its excellence in teaching, intensive research, effective public service, and community engagement. Morgan prepares diverse and competitive graduates for success in a global, interdependent society.
Mission Statement
Morgan State University serves the community, region, state, nation, and world as an intellectual and creative resource by supporting, empowering, and preparing high-quality, diverse graduates to lead the world. The University offers innovative, inclusive, and distinctive educational experiences to a broad cross section of the population in a comprehensive range of disciplines at the baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and professional degree levels. Through collaborative pursuits, scholarly research, creative endeavors, and dedicated public service, the University gives significant priority to addressing societal problems, particularly those prevalent in urban communities.
Position:
Morgan State University, Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university, is on a strong trajectory toward achieving very high research activity (R1) status. As the University prepares to launch the largest and most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in its history, it seeks a dynamic, results-oriented Director of Development to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the success of this transformative effort.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, the Director of Development will lead the planning, implementation, and management of fundraising strategies aligned with the academic and strategic priorities of both the School of Business and the School of Engineering—two of the University’s most innovative and high-impact academic units.
This frontline fundraising role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $25,000 and above from alumni, corporations, foundations, and other stakeholders. Key areas of philanthropic support include scholarships, research initiatives, capital infrastructure, and academic program development. As part of a rapidly expanding and metrics-driven Institutional Advancement operation, the Director will help drive a culture of philanthropy, set and meet fundraising goals, and collaborate with deans, faculty, and advancement colleagues across the University. This position is ideal for a mission-driven professional seeking to make a lasting impact during a period of unprecedented institutional growth and momentum.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, deadline-oriented, collaborative, and strategic, with a proven track record of building donor relationships and achieving results in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Position Description:
Fundraising Strategy
-
- Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans that align with the comprehensive campaign strategies and advance the institutional priorities of the School of Business and the School of Engineering.
- Review, evaluate and prioritize key fundraising initiatives that help strengthen and support the mission of the university.
- Enhance existing and create new fundraising opportunities with targeted campaigns to engage donors and increase philanthropic support.
- Build and manage a robust portfolio of 100+ major gift prospects and donors, leveraging data and analytics to prioritize cultivation efforts, while meeting an individual fundraising goal that contributes to the division’s overall campaign and fundraising targets.
- Plan and execute targeted fundraising events (e.g., salon events, small dinners, 1:1 meetings) for the Dean of the School of Business and the School of Engineering.
- Collaborate with other advancement team members as appropriate on fundraising initiatives to ensure appropriate resources are available to implement the strategy.
Donor Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship:
-
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individuals, alumni, corporate and foundation partners to secure financial support.
- Prepare persuasive cases for support, proposals, annual appeals, and gift agreement for individuals for specific projects, scholarships, and initiatives. Work with corporate and foundation advancement colleagues on specialized grant requests that would require their assistance and assure compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations, including tracking outcomes and impact metrics.
- Implement stewardship strategies in collaboration with advancement colleagues to recognize and retain donors which could include personalized communications, donor recognition events, impact reports, and meeting with the Deans or key faculty members of both schools
Collaboration and Relationship Management:
-
- Collaborate with the Deans, faculty members, and university administrators to identify priorities and develop compelling and fundable proposals.
- Work closely with advancement colleagues, volunteers, and advisory boards to leverage their networks and support fundraising initiatives.
- Work closely with the prospective research team to identify new prospects and potential fundraising initiatives.
-
- Work closely with the events team, the advancement communications team, and the alumni team on larger events (e.g., campaign events, alumni receptions) as appropriate to ensure that the appropriate logistics, budget, communications, and alumni support is available for successful execution.
Budget Management and Reporting:
- Develop and manage annual fundraising budgets for the School of Business and School of Engineering, tracking expenses and revenue projections.
- Prepare regular progress reports, financial forecasts, and fundraising metrics to evaluate performance and inform strategic decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required, master’s degree preferred, in business administration or engineering, fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in institutional advancement, development, or fundraising, preferably in higher education or a related nonprofit organization.
- Demonstrated success in soliciting major gifts, securing grants, and building donor relationships.
- Demonstrated success in collaborating with academic leaders and university administrators and knowledge/execution of strategic planning processes as it relates to fundraising initiatives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, ethical standards, and legal regulations related to philanthropy.
- Proficiency in fundraising databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the School of Business and School of Engineering, with a passion for advancing education, research, and innovation.
Senior Management:
Endia DeCordova, M.B.A.
Vice President For Institutional Advancement
Endia DeCordova serves as Morgan State University’s vice president for Institutional Advancement and executive director for the Morgan State University Foundation, Inc.
DeCordova oversees operations for the University’s Division of Institutional Advancement, which includes the Offices of Alumni Relations and Strategic Engagement, Development, and Public Relations and Strategic Communications, in addition to the MSU Foundation and Advancement Services. She also serves as a member of the University President’s senior administrative team.
Prior to coming to Morgan, DeCordova served as vice chancellor for Advancement at Rutgers University, Camden, where she worked on behalf of the institution and the Rutgers University Foundation to advance the campus’s priorities through annual giving, major and principal giving, alumni engagement, and corporate and foundation relations. Prior to her time at Rutgers, she served as assistant vice president for Development and Strategic Initiatives for the University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.
In all, she brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in institutional advancement, primarily in the higher education sector, with positions held at Mitchell College as vice president of Advancement, Georgian Court University as assistant vice president of Development, and Manchester Community College as dean of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement.
Among the honors she has accumulated throughout her professional career includes being named a 100 Women of Color Honoree (Connecticut and Massachusetts), a Hartford Business Journal 40 under 40 awardee, and the West Indian Social Club Educator of the Year (2016).
As a class of 1999 graduate of Morgan State University DeCordova received her B.S. in Communications/Public Relations. She would matriculate on receiving her Master of Business Administration, Marketing Management from the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business.
Tara K. Turner
Assistant Vice President for Development
Tara has over 30 years of higher education fundraising experience. She joined Morgan State University in 2022 and currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Development.
Prior to joining Morgan, Tara led the development team at Coppin State University (CSU) as Assistant Vice President for Advancement. Her career spanned more than two decades at Coppin during which time she led several aspects of the fundraising program including Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Stewardship.
She is a graduate of CSU with a bachelor’s degree in management science. She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Tara is passionate about fundraising and leveraging the unique strengths of charitable organizations to achieve success. She has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Maryland Chapter for over ten years, and she currently serves as Chapter President-Elect. She has also served on the board of the Family Recovery Program and Women Behind the Community.
A native of Baltimore, Tara believes in giving back to her community. She is an active philanthropist and supports several local and national charities.
Why is this a Compelling Position?
Morgan State University stands out as an employer because of its strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. The university ensures that all individuals have access to programs and employment without discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category. This creates a respectful and supportive environment where employees can feel a genuine sense of belonging.
In addition to its value-driven culture, Morgan State offers a wide range of comprehensive benefits designed to support your health, financial security, and personal growth.
These include medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, life and accident insurance, flexible spending accounts, state retirement and optional investment plans, tuition waivers, generous earned leave, and access to the State Employees Credit Union.
Location:
|
Baltimore, Maryland is a dynamic city with a population of over 2.8 million in its metro area, offering a strong talent pool and diverse community. It's a major hub for healthcare (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System), finance (T. Rowe Price), defense (Northrop Grumman), and shipping via the busy Port of Baltimore.
The city also boasts a growing tech and cybersecurity sector. Distinct for its waterfront charm, historic neighborhoods like Fells Point, and cultural attractions such as the Inner Harbor and National Aquarium, Baltimore blends professional opportunity with rich arts, shopping, and dining scenes. |
|
Morgan State University in the News:
June 13, 2025
Morgan Architecture Students Explore Sustainable Urbanism in Europe
June 2, 2025
Morgan State University Awarded State Grant to Train Displaced Federal Workers as Certified Teachers
Interview Process:
ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:
- Initial interviews with ZRG
- ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
- Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
- Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team
- Formal referencing
- Offer extended
About ZRG Partners:
ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.
Jerel Booker
Principal
jbooker@zrgpartners.com
Jerel Booker is a seasoned executive specializing in talent strategy, organizational growth, and executive search, with over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, K–12, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he conducted national executive searches and oversaw enterprise operations—aligning people, processes, and performance to drive organizational growth and client impact. Previously, Jerel held senior executive roles in government, education, and nonprofit leadership, including Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he oversaw internal division operations, staffing, and institutional statutory compliance within core functions. His leadership spans core operational domains including finance, human capital, technology, contracts, marketing, and enterprise risk management.
Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.
Dakota Doman
Managing Director
ddoman@zrgpartners.com
Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country.
Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leader advancing equity and access in higher education.
Prior to leading TM2, Dakota was unanimously appointed by the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He joined TSU initially as Chief of Staff and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer, where he spearheaded critical university initiatives including legislative engagement at municipal, state, and federal levels, Title III program development, institutional effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and transformative planning.
