Associate Dean of Development, College of Connected Computing

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

23d

About The Position

Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing (CCC) seeks an ambitious, strategic leader to establish and execute fundraising strategies in support of the College’s vision. As the College’s fundraising program is being launched, the Associate Dean will help shape its development efforts from their inception. The role is part of the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) Development Team and leads major gift fundraising to increase engagement and philanthropic support. The Associate Dean helps set fundraising goals, manages a portfolio of approximately 85 prospects capable of gifts of $250,000 or more, oversees an operating and travel budget, and represents CCC on senior leadership teams. The role manages an Associate Director of Development and a Development Coordinator and works closely with the CCC Dean, faculty leaders, DAR colleagues, and university offices. It oversees CCC’s comprehensive development program in coordination with Vanderbilt’s broader fundraising program and supports priorities such as endowed scholarships and chairs, academic programs, research, and capital projects. The position requires a polished fundraising leader with strategic planning experience, a record of securing major and principal gifts, and the ability to build effective relationships across a complex academic community. The Associate Dean also supports university-wide objectives, maintains donor confidentiality, contributes to departmental performance and best practices, and performs other duties as assigned. Routine overnight travel and some evening and weekend work are required; driving is an essential job function.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Ten years of relevant experience or equivalent.
Proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fundraising from individuals.
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250,000 or more.
Excellent organizational, oral communication, and written communication skills, including proposal and presentation development.
Ability to articulate Vanderbilt’s needs, interests, and accomplishments to a wide range of audiences.
Interpersonal skills and judgment appropriate for dealing with alumni, parents, friends, employees, and other constituencies.
Ability to exercise good judgment when handling confidential information.
Ability to use current computer technology, including Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system.
Ability to plan and implement a major gift program involving alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and planned giving.
Experience managing and leading volunteers and/or boards.
Demonstrated ability to work across teams and disciplines, facilitate solutions, develop ideas, and advance priorities.
Working understanding of education and research that supports interdisciplinary initiatives.
Capacity to work in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Personal qualities that enable effective interaction with important constituencies and a genuine commitment to education, research, and the principles of Development and Alumni Relations.
Ability to drive; motor vehicle registration check is routinely conducted.
Ability to undertake routine overnight travel and some evening and weekend work as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent is strongly preferred.
Seven or more years of development experience, preferably in higher education.
Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or a solid understanding of a major research university environment.
Demonstrated interest in business and financial markets.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and coordinate CCC’s development programs in alignment with Vanderbilt University’s overall development program.
Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 85 prospects capable of gifts of $250,000 or more, including outright, pledged, and planned gifts.
Oversee CCC’s comprehensive fundraising program and increase success in securing support for priorities such as endowed scholarships and chairs, academic programs, research funding, and capital projects.
Work with the Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development to establish ambitious and achievable annual fundraising targets.
Collaborate with DAR development teams and university offices to support CCC’s fundraising outcomes and university-wide objectives.
Build strong working relationships with the CCC Dean, faculty leaders, and senior staff in admissions, finance, communications, career services, and faculty affairs.
Provide strategic planning and advice to support the College’s broader efforts beyond development.
Manage an Associate Director of Development and a Development Coordinator.
Oversee an operations and travel budget.
Learn and communicate Vanderbilt’s mission and CCC’s development programs and goals.
Collaborate with DAR staff to develop and maintain best practices in major gift solicitation.
Meet or exceed departmental performance standards, foster cooperation, communicate policies and concerns, and suggest improvements to departmental performance.
Exercise sound judgment, maintain composure, and protect the confidentiality of donors and colleagues.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Drive as a regular and necessary part of the position and undertake routine overnight travel and some evening and weekend work as needed.