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 launch and lead the College’s fundraising program. The Associate Dean of Development is part of the Department of Alumni Relations (DAR) Development Team and leads major gift fundraising to increase engagement and philanthropic support for CCC. The role helps set fundraising goals, manages a portfolio of top prospects, oversees an operations and travel budget, and represents the College on its leadership teams. The Associate Dean manages an Associate Director of Development and a Development Coordinator and works closely with the CCC Dean, faculty leaders, DAR colleagues, and university partners. The position designs, implements, and coordinates CCC development programs in alignment with Vanderbilt’s overall development program. It includes personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding approximately 85 prospects capable of gifts of $250,000 or more, including outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts. The Associate Dean oversees comprehensive fundraising for priorities that may include endowed scholarships and chairs, academic programs, research, and capital projects, and collaborates with the Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development to set annual goals. The role requires a collaborative, innovative fundraising executive with strategic planning experience, a record of securing major and principal gifts, and the ability to build relationships across a complex academic community. The Associate Dean also contributes strategic advice beyond development, supports departmental performance and best practices, maintains donor and colleague confidentiality, and performs other duties as assigned. Driving is an essential job function, routine overnight travel is required, and some evening and weekend work may be needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is necessary.
Ten years of relevant experience or equivalent is necessary.
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250,000 and larger.
Proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fundraising from individuals.
Ability to plan, articulate, and implement a major gift program encompassing alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and planned giving.
Excellent organizational skills and oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop proposals and presentations and articulate Vanderbilt’s needs, interests, and accomplishments to varied audiences.
Interpersonal skills and judgment to exercise appropriate discretion and demeanor with alumni, parents, friends, and employees.
Ability to handle confidential information with good judgment.
Ability to use current computer technology, including Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system.
Ability to work across teams and disciplines, facilitate solutions, develop ideas, and advance priorities.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.
Genuine commitment to advancing education and research and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations.
Valid motor vehicle registration suitable for the routine driving required; an MVR check is conducted.
Routine overnight travel and some evening and weekend work are required as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent is strongly preferred.
Seven or more years of development experience is preferred, with a background in higher education.
Experience managing and leading volunteers and/or boards.
Demonstrated interest in business and financial markets.
Working understanding of education and research to help advance interdisciplinary initiatives.
Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or a solid understanding of a major research university environment.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and coordinate CCC development programs consistent with Vanderbilt University’s overall development program.
Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 85 prospects capable of making gifts of $250,000 or greater, including outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts.
Secure major and principal gifts and increase overall fundraising success for CCC.
Oversee a comprehensive fundraising program supporting priorities such as endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital projects.
Work with the Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development to set ambitious and achievable annual fundraising targets.
Collaborate with DAR development teams, university offices, and school leadership to advance CCC and university-wide development objectives.
Build and maintain working relationships with the CCC Dean, faculty leaders, senior staff, donors, alumni, parents, friends, and other stakeholders.
Serve as a member and senior representative of CCC leadership teams, providing strategic planning and advice as needed.
Manage an Associate Director of Development and a Development Coordinator, and influence other DAR teams.
Oversee an operations and travel budget.
Learn Vanderbilt’s mission and CCC’s role, understand CCC development programs and goals, and collaborate with DAR staff on major-gift solicitation best practices.
Support departmental performance by meeting standards, fostering cooperation, communicating policies and concerns, and conveying improvement ideas to leadership.
Exercise sound professional judgment, maintain composure in challenging situations, and protect confidential information.
Drive as a regular and necessary part of the position, travel overnight routinely, and work some evenings and weekends as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.