Assistant Dean of Development, School of Professional Studies
About The Position
University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) is dedicated to soliciting the private funding necessary to support the strategic goals of the University in teaching, learning, and research. The personnel of UDAR work university-wide as well as within individual schools and colleges of the University to discover, motivate, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, faculty, and friends for immediate, long-range, and future financial support, through gifts and pledges to the University, for critical operations such as student aid, faculty support, academic and research program development, and facilities and infrastructure. UDAR's endeavors raise funds for immediate University use and also for the University's endowment. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development for Schools and Institutes in University Development and Alumni Relations, the Assistant Dean of Development leads and executes the overall philanthropic strategy for the School of Professional Studies (SPS), working in close partnership with alumni relations and school leadership. Building on NYU’s fundraising momentum, the role is accountable for securing a minimum of $10 million annually in philanthropic support for the School. The Assistant Dean provides strategic leadership and management for a team of development professionals, including frontline fundraisers who partner closely with associate deans, faculty, and other school leaders. The Assistant Dean personally cultivates, solicits, and stewards top donors in collaboration with the Dean, managing a portfolio of approximately 50–70 active prospects, and coordinating University-wide engagement based on donor interests as appropriate. The role plays a central part in engaging senior volunteers through industry and program advisory councils, staffing key meetings, identifying and qualifying new prospects, developing transformational gift opportunities, and overseeing effective stewardship planning. In coordination with UDAR colleagues, this role advances integrated cultivation and solicitation strategies across the University. Travel is required in alignment with the School’s fundraising strategy and the Dean’s priorities. UDAR encourages work-life integration for our employees, therefore this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- 7+ years experience in nonprofit philanthropy and development as well as a track record of successfully soliciting 6-figure and 7-figure gifts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability and experience in managing a development staff and interacting with a diverse population
- Demonstrated ability to strategize, interact effectively with alumni, faculty, donors, and officers, and to meet fundraising goals
- Strategic fundraising professional with proven, successful leadership experience in advancement, management and performance coaching, constituency engagement, and campaign management, preferably in a complex academic environment
- Strong analytical, managerial, strategic planning, and motivational skills
- A keen understanding of advancement best practices coupled with knowledge of charitable giving
- A comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions, and a track record of significant personal success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors at the major and principal gift levels
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and character, and exhibit the maturity, sophistication, and credibility to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders
Nice To Haves
- Master's Degree
- Knowledge of Blackbaud database systems or knowledge of fundraising databases
Responsibilities
- Leads and executes the overall philanthropic strategy for the School of Professional Studies (SPS)
- Accountable for securing a minimum of $10 million annually in philanthropic support for the School
- Provides strategic leadership and management for a team of development professionals, including frontline fundraisers who partner closely with associate deans, faculty, and other school leaders
- Personally cultivates, solicits, and stewards top donors in collaboration with the Dean, managing a portfolio of approximately 50–70 active prospects, and coordinating University-wide engagement based on donor interests as appropriate
- Plays a central part in engaging senior volunteers through industry and program advisory councils, staffing key meetings, identifying and qualifying new prospects, developing transformational gift opportunities, and overseeing effective stewardship planning
- Advances integrated cultivation and solicitation strategies across the University
- Travel is required in alignment with the School’s fundraising strategy and the Dean’s priorities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
