Assistant Dean of Advancement, CAS

American University•Washington, DC

3d•$160,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

American University is seeking an Assistant Dean of Advancement for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). This role reports to University Advancement and serves as the chief major gift fundraiser for CAS, the largest of AU’s six schools. The Assistant Dean will shape and execute fundraising plans to meet the financial needs of the Dean’s academic priorities, focusing on gifts of $100,000 to $1,000,000+. The position involves working closely with the Dean of CAS, participating in the Dean’s senior management team, and acting as an ambassador for the College. The Assistant Dean will also assist with publications and special events, and supervise a team of three fundraisers and a Development Assistant. Key responsibilities include managing a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects, achieving metrics for contact and solicitations, and securing a minimum of $1,500,000 annually in new commitments within 24 months of hire. Collaboration with other University Advancement teams, such as Annual Giving and Planned Giving, is also essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
8 or more years of progressively responsible development experience.
At least 4 years of demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $100,000+.
Supervisory experience.
Familiarity with and experience following guidelines of an established Prospect Management System.
Computer literacy with MS Office suite or equivalent and familiarity with fundraising systems.
Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop strategies for a pool of approximately 150 assigned major gift prospects ($100,000 - $1,000,000+).
Achieve a minimum of 15 major gift solicitations per year.
Conduct a minimum of 10 planned, strategic visits per month.
Work in concert with University Advancement colleagues on prospect identification and qualification.
Secure a minimum of $1,500,000 annually in new commitments within 24 months of hire.
Aggressively work major gifts portfolio, setting and executing strategies, and meeting or exceeding benchmarks for visits, contacts, and solicitations.
Develop, execute, and manage fundraising strategies, priorities, schedules, and tactics for the Dean of CAS.
Identify and engage prospects around the Dean’s academic priorities.
Plan travel and individual meetings with prospects.
Manage regular communication with key prospects.
Add a development perspective to relevant matters emerging in the School or on the Dean’s leadership team.
Manage all aspects of the Dean’s Constituency Advocacy Councils, including developing strategy to cultivate and solicit council members.
Manage, motivate, and evaluate the College of Arts and Sciences Development team (two Directors of Development, Assistant Director of Development, and Development Assistant).
Develop major gift strategies, revenue expectations, donor stewardship initiatives, and special event plans for implementation by staff.
Delegate and assign associated tasks, including creation and design of related publications.
Work with AU’s Annual Giving team to effectively manage annual giving techniques and messages used in direct marketing and phone programs.
Coordinate with the Director of Development, Annual Giving, on annual Dean’s letter or other equivalent solicitation pieces.
Recruit and staff members for the College of Arts and Sciences advisory and volunteer councils.
Assist with the development of publications for the College of Arts and Sciences and other programs and special events.