Associate Dean of Development, Connected Computing

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Craft and execute fundraising strategies for Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, including the ability to solicit substantial donations and manage a diverse portfolio of prospects. Proven leadership in development operations and collaboration across university departments to enhance fundraising strategies and outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingPortfolio ManagementDevelopment Operations LeadershipProposal DevelopmentInterpersonal Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategyDonor ManagementBudget ManagementPlanned GivingAchievement in FundraisingProject ManagementOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsRelationship BuildingConfidentiality Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsJudgmentInitiativeAdaptabilityCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

WindowsExcelWordDonor Management System

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationDevelopment and Alumni RelationsFundraising Best PracticesAcademic EnvironmentResearch Funding

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Craft and execute fundraising strategies for Vanderbilt University’s College of Connected Computing
Lead major gift fundraising efforts as part of Vanderbilt’s Development and Alumni Relations team
Set fundraising goals with the Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development
Manage a portfolio of approximately 85 prospects capable of gifts of $250,000 or greater
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts, including outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts
Oversee CCC’s comprehensive fundraising program supporting endowed scholarships and chairs, academic programs, research funding, and capital projects
Manage the development operations and travel budget
Serve as a senior representative on college leadership teams
Manage one Associate Director of Development and one Development Coordinator
Liaise with university development teams, offices, faculty, and school leadership
Build relationships with senior staff in admissions, finance, communications, career services, and faculty affairs
Establish development best practices and improve departmental performance
Maintain confidentiality and perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary
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
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250,000 and larger
Demonstrated interest in business and financial markets
Excellent organizational, oral communication, and written communication skills
Ability to articulate Vanderbilt University’s needs, interests, and accomplishments to varied audiences
Interpersonal skills and judgment for appropriate discretion and demeanor with alumni, parents, friends, and employees
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
Ability to use Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system
Proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fundraising from individuals
Ability to plan, articulate, and implement a major gift program involving alumni, parents, friends, corporate, foundation, and planned giving
Experience managing and leading volunteers and/or boards
Superb written and oral communication skills, especially proposal and presentation development
Demonstrated success working across teams and disciplines
Working understanding of education and research
Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
Genuine commitment to advancing education and research and to Development and Alumni Relations principles
Driving is an essential job function; motor vehicle registration check conducted
Routine overnight travel required
Some evening and weekend work as needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional growth and learning opportunities
Equal-opportunity employment
Routine overnight travel
Some evening and weekend work as needed