Assistant Dean, Development at Columbia University in New York, NY

The Assistant Dean of Development works as part of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team to establish overall goals and strategies for increasing philanthropic support and constituent engagement to Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. This leadership position directs several functions within the Development and Alumni Relations Department including strategies to maximize philanthropic support from existing donors and new prospects. This position will also expand the major and leadership donor pool and deepen the level of engagement of existing donors to Columbia Mailman.

Managing four direct reports responsible for major gift donor portfolios, corporate and foundation relations, and donor stewardship, the Assistant Dean of Development will direct and successfully execute strategies for cultivating and securing gifts of $100K - $1M from individual major gift prospects. This position will also work with volunteers, trustees, faculty, staff, and members of the School’s senior leadership team, when applicable, towards shared goals.

The Assistant Dean of Development reports to the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations and will meet core values of teamwork, integrity, accountability, and respect.

Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team set financial goals and create an annual, metrics-based, strategic plan to support all fundraising initiatives. In partnership with the Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement, prioritize and direct daily operational functions of the Development and Alumni Relations team.
• In partnership with the leadership team, monitor and provide regular updates on revenue budgets for year-to-date fundraising progress and to inform strategic decision-making.
• Be responsible for a portfolio of 75 major donors/prospects and successfully execute strategies for securing gifts of $100K - $1M.
• Manage four staff members with specific portfolios of major gift capacity (individual and corporate and foundations) prospects aligned with priority fundraising initiatives. Provide management, guidance and support for three gift officers and one stewardship officer responsible for portfolios of 125 (each) major donors/prospects and tasked with actively developing and stewarding portfolios with the goal of closing gifts at the $50K+ level.
• In conjunction with the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, assist faculty, department chairs and center directors with raising individual and non-sponsored research grants to collectively create school/center strategies and take an active role in their individual prospect activity.
• Serve as liaison and team lead for CUIMC and CU driven Gift Planning initiatives. Collaborate with gift planning offices on both campuses in leading strategic gift planning campaign to grow participation in Columbia’s 1754 Society.
• Direct policies and procedures for stewardship of major, endowed, and planned gifts that uphold donor intent and the highest ethical standards. Develop strategy for and oversee the creation and maintenance of systems that track timely and accurate documentation of major, leadership and planned giving efforts.
• In partnership with the Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement, oversee strategy for all special events, and set goals and standards for event planning, execution and evaluation.
• Direct, manage and audit gift agreements in accordance with Columbia University’s Gift Counting Policy, PCI Compliance Policy and IRS standards.
• In partnership with the Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement, oversee the production of promotional material that supports fundraising efforts including printed publications, web content, promotional items, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean, Development and Alumni Relations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience and 7 years of experience in higher education, development, fund-raising or equivalent experience in a non-profit institution.
• A proven professional record of success in building donor relationships and securing major and leadership gifts (six and seven figure).
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience leading and managing a team of successful metric-focused gift officers with focus on both team fund-raising goals and professional development aspirations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies including major donors, volunteers, faculty and others.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team with diverse individuals.
• Flexible and self-directed with exceptional organization and time management and prioritization skills and the ability to create and manage efficient systems in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively for donor visits, prospect meetings and events.