Associate Dean of Development, College of Connected Computing

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 that will drive larger success in securing funds to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to -- endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital projects. The Associate Dean also works closely with the Dean and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development in the goal setting process each fiscal year to set targets that are both ambitious and achievable.

Serve as liaison to other development teams, university offices, and school leadership. 

To maximize the success of CCC’s efforts, the Associate Dean will work in collaboration with other members of DAR staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives, along with a commitment to being donor-centric. Offices that contribute to the success of CCC’s development outcomes include: Transformational Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Research and Prospect Development, Parents Campaign, Athletics Development, Marketing & Communications, Alumni Engagement, and Donor Relations. 

As a member of the Deans’ leadership teams, the Associate Dean will need to establish strong relationships with CCC’s senior staff in admissions, finance, communication, career services, and faculty affairs. Strategic planning and advice are highly valued by the Dean, as these are skills frequently utilized to compliment the School’s efforts beyond development.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and CCC’s responsibilities to the mission

• Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in CCC.

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts

Enhance departmental performance standards by:

• Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department

• Meeting or exceeding department performance standards

• Fostering a spirit of cooperation

• Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures

• Clearly communicating concerns and questions to team

• Conveying thoughts/ideas to the leadership team on improving departmental performance

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with the team

• Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations

• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues

• Performing other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Development.

This position will have management responsibility for one Associate Director of Development and a Development Coordinator.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent, is strongly preferred

Experience and Skills:

• Ten years of relevant experience, or the equivalent is necessary.

• Seven or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting.

• The Associate Dean must be a seasoned and polished fundraising executive who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university, and in particular, the significant role of CCC within this larger academic community. 

• Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250,000 and larger.

• Demonstrated interest in business and financial markets.

• Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences.

• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system.

• A proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fund raising from individuals.

• Ability to plan, articulate and implement a major gift program that will include not only alumni, parents and friends, but also corporate, foundation and planned giving.

• Experience in managing and leading volunteers and/or boards.

• Superb written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development.

• Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new ideas, and driving forward priorities.

• A working understanding of education and research that will help drive forward new interdisciplinary initiatives.

• Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred. 

• The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential.

• Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education, research, and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations.

• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.

• Routine overnight travel is required.

• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.

Salary : $250,000