Vice President and Associate Dean, Medicine and Biological Sciences Development

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

15d

About The Position

The University of Chicago is one of the world’s leading academic institutions and a founding member of the Association of American Universities. With 101 Nobel laureates and a top 15 national ranking, UChicago is known for bold inquiry and transformative impact. At the center of its medical enterprise are UChicago Medicine, the Biological Sciences Division, and the Pritzker School of Medicine—an integrated, interdisciplinary ecosystem advancing scientific discovery, clinical excellence, and medical education. Located on a shared campus in Hyde Park, these units offer a full therapeutic pipeline—from research labs to clinical trials to patient care—bringing breakthrough discoveries to patients faster. Pritzker’s research-intensive curriculum, deeply connected to basic science, prepares physicians to deliver the best of today’s medicine and lead the innovations of tomorrow. UChicago Medicine and the Biological Sciences Division (MBSD) play a pivotal role in aligning academic and medical fundraising to unlock transformative giving opportunities that advance the University's most ambitious aspirations. The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University and comprises faculty from 10 basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV): MISSION As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all. VISION Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care. VALUES Commit to Excellence We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others. Embrace Curiosity We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation. Embody Equity We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science. Grow Together We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone. Make a Difference We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community. Take Ownership We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions. The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community. Job Summary: The Vice President and Associate Dean is responsible for shaping and leading the direction, strategy and execution of the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s (MBSD’s) mission and goals. Leading an expanding, highly productive team of over 90 staff who raise up to or over $130M annually with significant growth in output expected by FY32, the VP and Associate Dean oversees and ensures the successful collaboration of all functional areas, including fundraising (major and principal gifts, annual giving, leadership annual giving), alumni engagement, events and outreach, advancement services (strategic research and analytics and donor relations), marketing and communications, and operations. A highly skilled and effective fundraising expert and institutional leader, the VP and Associate Dean works successfully with University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division (BSD), UChicago Medicine (UCM), Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), and Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) leadership as well as trustees, volunteers, grateful patients, faculty members, and other constituents to deepen engagement and generate philanthropic support for research, education, and patient care and achieve ambitious fundraising goals. As a senior leader in propelling the University’s next $10B global fundraising campaign—currently in the quiet phase with the plan to launch publicly in 2026—the VP and Associate Dean is instrumental in shaping the campaign’s direction and priorities for health and medicine, a pillar with a $2B goal. A member of the ARD Senior Leadership team, the VP and Associate Dean works in close partnership with the Vice President of ARD to ensure strategic alignment and coordination on fundraising strategies, policies, campaigns, and trustee engagement across the enterprise. Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration. Meng Peeps, a national executive search firm dedicated to nonprofit institutions—primarily colleges and universities, hospitals and health systems, cultural institutions, and research institutes, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the University of Chicago. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply here and feel free to visit the Meng Peeps website for further inquiries or to learn additional details about this opportunity. https://mfpsearch.com.

Requirements

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
A successful track record of working with high-net-worth prospects and donors, and securing PG level gifts.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong knowledge of database systems and prospect management reporting processes and metrics.
Proven ability to meet deadlines and work successfully under pressure.
Bachelor's degree required.
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in development, consulting, business administration, preferably in a private higher education or a complex academic medical center environment, is required.
A minimum of 8-10 years of success in managing and motivating staff with demonstrated strategic leadership skills in leading a large team, required.
A minimum of 5 years managing constituents or partners such as volunteers, board members, physician leaders, and Trustees is required.
Experience in successfully managing budgets is required.
Experience managing a variety of fundraising programs is required.
Public speaking expertise and coaching skills are required.
Administrative experience in a complex matrixed hierarchical organization is required.
Ability to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.
Travel, both domestically and occasionally internationally.
Resume
Cover Letter

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience in or education/training in a medical field and an interest and knowledge base in health care economics, medical research, and health care policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

Builds and fosters highly productive and collaborative relationships with faculty, donors, trustees, volunteers, and other constituents to leverage opportunities, successfully execute MBSD priorities, and advance MBSD’s goals.
As a member of ARD’s Senior Leadership Team, contributes significantly to University-wide strategy and metrics, collaborating and communicating priorities both internally and externally.
Leads and develops, through management of their MBSD Executive Leadership Team, an organization of more than 90 staff and growing, setting the strategic direction of the unit in terms of overall business objectives as well as talent management/workforce planning and budget. Through engaged leadership, motivates, inspires, and energizes the full MBSD team with an ongoing focus on the growth and retention of talent, as well as professional development. Mentors staff individually and by meeting with teams, managers, and cohort groups, as well as having a robust presence throughout a variety of business activities.
Cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, contributing significantly to MBSD’s fundraising success. Supports the dean and the dean’s prospect portfolio.
Leads the development of visionary philanthropic ideas, driving the cultivation of transformative and mega-gift opportunities.
Facilitates strategic discussions between the University president, Deans, and other institutional leaders as it relates to prospect strategy, campaign planning priorities, advancement of key initiatives, and other opportunities as needs arise.
Ensures a robust and coordinated pipeline of major and principal gift prospects, driven by strong internal processes for research, identification, prospect development, stewardship and other functions.
Oversees and ensures proactive, integrated communication and coordination between all MBSD teams and functional areas.
Builds strong relationships with ARD colleagues and serves on required ARD committees, including the University’s Alumni Relations and Development Senior Leadership team (SLT), led by the Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development.
Advocates for resources to bolster infrastructure to support future fundraising efforts, including overseeing the development and management of a complex budget for operations and compensation, working closely with Finance and HR.
Manages employees through MBSD’s executive leadership team and other senior managers.
Oversees the development of performance goals, establishes the structure for allocating resources, and assesses division or University policies.
Performs additional duties as needed.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

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