Wednesday, Jun 13, 2018
Karin Klim's appointment follows a national search
by Adam Grybowski
Following an extensive nationwide search, Rider University announced on May 21 that Karin Klim has been appointed the new vice president for University Advancement, effective immediately.
Klim had been serving as interim vice president for University Advancement since February 2018. The division is comprised of Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, and University Marketing and Communications.
In fewer than three months as interim vice president, Klim secured several major philanthropic gifts and contributed to a comprehensive brand and marketing study for the University that will launch shortly.
"As we embark upon more ambitious fundraising goals for the University and a renewed emphasis on marketing and branding Rider, I am confident that Karin brings a unique skill set that fosters creative thinking and an ability to see fresh ways to accomplish our goals," said Rider's President, Gregory G. Dell'Omo.
Klim first joined Rider in 2009 as the director of planned giving. In this role, she was responsible for increasing bequest intentions by more than $8 million while cultivating important relationships with alumni and friends to solicit major and planned gifts to meet the priorities of the University.
She was promoted to assistant vice president for Development in 2011, where she personally secured more than $20 million in gifts and pledges. Under her direction, the office raised more than $50 million and successfully completed several fundraising mini-campaigns such as Rider’s Sesquicentennial Campaign and three phases of the Campaign for Rider Athletics. Several new fundraising initiatives were also launched, such as the 1865 Donor Recognition Society, student and alumni engagement programs, a re-engineered phonathon program, and the Rider Women’s Leadership Council.
In addition to her work with University Advancement, Klim served on the University’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee and chaired the Facilities and Infrastructure Working Group.
"Karin has built strong partnerships with our deans, faculty and administration to assure the University’s fundraising goals are being met, and I couldn't be more excited to continue our work together and build upon her record of success," Dell'Omo said.
Prior to joining Rider, Klim worked as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch/Bank of America where she oversaw more than $50 million in assets and provided wealth management and portfolio advice, retirement, education and special needs planning. There she was also responsible for business development, marketing and communications.
In other previous roles in the private sector, Klim has been a regional sales director, national account manager/branch sales manager, and marketing manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Management from Montclair State University.
"Karin is an accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience reflecting a diverse and highly successful background in higher education development, management, financial services, sales and marketing," Dell'Omo said. "Her background, skills and relationships, coupled with an enthusiastic passion for Rider, will serve the University well."