"Assistant Dean of Advancement, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences"

Job Description

Serving as a member of the dean's senior management team, the Assistant Dean of Advancement (Assistant Dean) is responsible for planning and implementing an integrated approach to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) advancement program by overseeing development, alumni relations, and marketing and communications programs to maximize the support and exposure of the college. The Assistant Dean serves as chief development officer and leader of the college's advancement program, with responsibility for securing private philanthropic support and producing targeted alumni and constituent engagement opportunities, as well as strategic marketing and communications that shape and extend the college's brand while furthering admissions, programmatic initiatives, or otherwise highlight college priorities.

Recognizing the distinctive role of agriculture, the Assistant Dean will engage closely across all units in CALS and with CALS leadership and VT to foster strong connections across state, local, and federal levels, ensuring CALS priorities are effectively represented. The Assistant Dean will also serve as a key connector, working to integrate advancement efforts with other colleges and units across the university to create alignment, collaboration, and greater impact.

Dually reporting to the CALS Dean and to the centrally based associate vice president of advancement, the Assistant Dean oversees a staff of four, including the director of development, development associate, director of alumni relations, and director of marketing and communications.

The Assistant Dean of Advancement will:

• Serve as the primary leader across all advancement functions in CALS leading a diverse group of directors with principle responsibilities in development, communications and alumni and constituent relations.
• Assist with fundraising activities for the CALS and within designated time frames.
• Travel, on average, five to eight days per month to cultivate, solicit, steward, and identify prospects for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
• Have a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Have typical solicitation ranges of $100,000 to $1,000,000.
• Close $3,000,000 per year using a three-year rolling average.
• Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies which include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Establish strong working relationships with central advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers and the College staff to foster a productive work environment.
• Work closely with the Dean, Associate Vice President for Advancement, CALS unit leaders, AREC and VCE leaders, and program and center directors to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies in support of their programs.

Regional and national travel is required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends. The Assistant Dean must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation. Additionally, the ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible is necessary.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree; or Bachelor's degree with significant experience equivalent to an advanced degree.

Demonstrated experience in broad aspects of university advancement including fundraising, sales/marketing, advertising, public relations, government relations, communications or a related field.

Progressive leadership experience.

Demonstrated professionalism in business and/or higher education.

Strong communication skills with ability of motivating volunteers as well as donors.

Self-motivated with the ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

Willingness to travel on a frequent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful track record in team leadership fostering advancement success.

Track record of success in fundraising and/or securing support for major initiatives.

Experience in higher education advancement.

Proven success in building productive relationships with senior administrators, key business and stakeholder leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and/or donors.

Previous major gifts or strategic initiative experience working with progressively complex systems and partners.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$160,000 to $180,000

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

November 9, 2025

Additional Information

Safe Driving Record. Unable to Sponsor Work Visas. Routine Travel or Telework - (50% or more travel). Uncommon Work Schedule - (Rotating Shifts, Weekend, Nights). The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.