Morgan State University Foundation

SITUATION OVERVIEW:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Director of Philanthropic Initiatives, Founding Medical School 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 invites applications and nominations for the newly created position of Director of Philanthropic Initiatives, Founding Medical School, an entrepreneurial and mission-driven fundraising leader who will play a pivotal role in securing the resources necessary to launch Maryland’s first new medical school in decades and the nation’s first historically Black medical school in more than 50 years.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director will lead all aspects of major gift fundraising, campaign development, and strategic partnerships to bring the Morgan State University College of Medicine from vision to reality. The Director will be supported by a dedicated project manager to advance all strategic and operational goals.  Together, they will cultivate transformational investments from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities to support the construction, accreditation readiness, program development, and long-term sustainability of the medical school.

The successful candidate will be a builder and storyteller, someone who can translate Morgan’s bold vision for health equity and medical education access into a compelling philanthropic case for support. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of academic medicine and to advance Morgan State University’s legacy of leadership, innovation, and impact.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive campaign to raise the funds necessary to open the medical school;
• Achieve annual and cumulative fundraising goals, targeting $10M–$25M+ in commitments over the initial campaign period;
• Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline of at least 100 active prospects and partners;
• Produce quarterly progress reports and annual impact summaries for leadership and key stakeholders;
• Build a strong culture of philanthropy and external partnership around the vision for the Morgan State University College of Medicine.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

STRATEGIC FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year campaign and fundraising strategy to support the design, construction, and launch of the Morgan State University College of Medicine;
• Build and manage a robust portfolio of major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, capable of contributing six-, seven-, and eight-figure gifts;
• Lead efforts to secure founding and naming gifts for facilities, academic programs, endowed scholarships, and innovation initiatives;
• Work closely with Foundation and University leadership to establish a compelling case for support that aligns with institutional priorities and resonates with donors and partners;
• Serve as the key strategist and liaison for all philanthropy related to the medical school initiative, including campaign planning, fundraising events, and board engagement.

DONOR CULTIVATION & STEWARDSHIP

• Personally manage a national portfolio of high-net-worth donors and institutional funders, building deep, trust-based relationships that lead to sustained investment;
• Oversee the development of targeted marketing materials, concept papers, proposals, and presentations to effectively communicate funding priorities;
• Ensure exceptional stewardship and recognition practices that demonstrate impact, transparency, and accountability;
• Engage volunteers, alumni, and community leaders as ambassadors and advocates for the medical school project.

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Identify and secure strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, corporations, foundations, and government agencies to support capital and programmatic priorities;
• Collaborate with Morgan’s external affairs, legislative relations, and communications teams to position the medical school as a regional and national investment in health equity and workforce development;
• Represent Morgan State University and Foundation at public events, conferences, and meetings to promote the medical school initiative and cultivate visibility among prospective donors and partners;
• Develop opportunities for public–private collaboration, including research partnerships, innovation hubs, and clinical training affiliations once the school is operational.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING

• Build and lead a small, high-performing advancement team dedicated to the medical school campaign;
• Establish systems for prospect management, gift tracking, and stewardship aligned with best practices in advancement operations;
• Work with university leadership to define funding priorities, timelines, and milestones for campaign success;
• Develop performance dashboards and progress reports to track and communicate outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred;
• Professional certifications such as CFRE or CASE credentials desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive fundraising or advancement experience, including at least five years of demonstrated success in major gifts or campaign leadership;
• Proven ability to secure transformational gifts ($1M+) and to lead complex, multi-year fundraising initiatives or capital campaigns;
• Experience developing and executing philanthropic strategies for start-up or large-scale initiatives, such as new academic programs, medical centers, or innovation facilities;
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage cross-sector partnerships involving healthcare, corporate, and philanthropic stakeholders;
• Familiarity with advancement structures, campaign planning, and donor databases;
• Experience working with senior institutional leaders, government officials, and community influencers to drive philanthropic goals.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to launch and lead initiatives from concept to execution;
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities, able to inspire vision and philanthropic engagement;
• Deep understanding of philanthropic trends in healthcare, education, and social impact giving;
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills;
• High emotional intelligence and cultural fluency, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community advancement;
• Results-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable in an evolving, start-up environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary and entrepreneurial leader capable of translating institutional goals into compelling philanthropic narratives;
• Relationship-driven strategist who thrives in ambiguous, early-stage environments and can build programs from the ground up;
• Deep appreciation for Morgan State University’s mission and its commitment to expanding access to medical education and improving health outcomes for underserved communities;
• Collaborative, transparent, and resilient professional with a proven record of turning ambition into action and results.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

Endia DeCordova, MBA
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.

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 major East Coast economic and cultural hub known for its strategic location, diverse industries, and rich historical significance. As Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore plays a vital role in regional commerce, education, healthcare, and innovation. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, combined with access to major highways, ports, and rail lines, makes it an attractive location for businesses seeking connectivity and growth. The city is home to globally recognized institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine, which anchor Baltimore’s reputation as a leader in research, life sciences, and healthcare innovation. Additionally, the city’s economic landscape is supported by thriving sectors such as financial services, cybersecurity, education, technology, and logistics. Baltimore’s diverse workforce, bolstered by a strong network of universities and colleges—including Morgan State University, a premier HBCU—offers businesses access to top talent across industries.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE NEWS:

October 28, 2025

Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies Honored with National Older Adult Model Program Award

October 20, 2025

Morgan’s Enrollment Surpasses 11,500 Students, Extending Record Growth Streak to Fifth Consecutive Year

October 15, 2025

With a Renewed Vote of Confidence, MacKenzie Scott Awards Morgan State University a Transformative $63 Million Gift

October 15, 2025

Morgan State University Selected to Participate in National Sustainability Pilot Program for HBCUs, Receiving $150,000 in Grants and Support

October 10, 2025

Morgan Leaders Earn Distinction for Global Impact, Innovation and Service

September 19, 2025

NSF-Funded Projects Propel Morgan State’s Continued Rise as a Recognized Public Impact Research University

September 16, 2025

Life and Legacy of President Emeritus Earl S. Richardson Honored With Morgan State University Board of Regents Resolution

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:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. 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.

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.