Associate Dean of Development, College of Connected Computing at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN

Job description

Position Summary : Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing (CCC) seeks an ambitious and strategic leader to serve as the Associate Dean of Development . Joining the school with an inspiring dean, this leader will craft and execute fundraising strategies in support of a compelling vision for the College of Connected Computing. This unique charge, launching a fundraising program alongside a newly formed College, is an opportunity to have an impact at the genesis of the College’s creation. The Associate Dean of Development for Vanderbilt’s CCC is part of the Department of Alumni Relations (DAR) Development Team at Vanderbilt University and is a leader responsible for leading the major gift fundraising efforts to drive greater levels of engagement and support. The Associate Dean participates in setting fundraising goals, manages a portfolio of top prospects, oversees a budget for operations and travel, and serves as a senior representative within the college’s leadership teams. The Associate Dean manages a team of direct reports, as well as influences other teams in DAR. The Associate Dean is also required to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Dean of CCC, and several other key faculty leaders to facilitate partnerships around goals, priorities and outcomes. About the Work Unit: Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) advances Vanderbilt University’s mission by engaging alumni, donors, and partners to build meaningful relationships and secure philanthropic support. DAR plays a vital role in supporting the university’s strategic goals through fundraising, stewardship, and alumni engagement. The division operates in a dynamic, data-driven environment that requires strong collaboration, operational excellence, and ongoing innovation to achieve evolving institutional objectives. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/ About College of Connected Computing : Announced in March 2024, the Vanderbilt University College of Connected Computing is a transformative college dedicated to computer science, AI, data science and related fields. In addition to meeting the growing demand for degrees in technological fields and advancing research in rapidly evolving, computing-related disciplines, the new, interdisciplinary college will collaborate with all of Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges to advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education through a “computing for all” approach. Key Functions and Expected Performance: The Associate Dean of Development will work collaboratively to enhance CCC’s relationship-building efforts with its highest-level donors and prospects. The successful candidate will be intellectual and socially curious, possessing extraordinary communication and emotional intelligence. The Associate Dean of Development will have the political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex academic community, and the desire and ability to build bridges and strong working relationships with all members of the operation. They will be a collaborative and innovative leader with a comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions and substantial strategic planning experience; personal success securing major and principal gifts; and the proven ability to motivate and engage both internal and external stakeholders. Design, implement, and coordinate CCC’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University. Secure major and principal gifts. The Associate Dean serves as a major gift officer for CCC – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 85 prospects that are capable of making gifts of $250,000 or greater. Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts at this level are all part of the Associate Dean’s portfolio. Increase the overall fundraising success for CCC. The Associate Dean is charged with overseeing the comprehensive fundraising program