Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $118,409 and $159,853, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The vice dean for development and external relations has a primary responsibility to provide the strategic leadership of the comprehensive development program for the Case School of Engineering . The vice dean will partner with the Case Alumni Association to develop and execute all aspects of the school's annual giving and alumni relations programs.

The vice dean is responsible for the development of overall fundraising plans for the strategic priorities in alignment with the overarching strategies of the Case School of Engineering and the university's division of University Relations and Development. As an experienced development professional, the vice dean is expected to engage in direct face-to-face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors for the school's and university's highest priorities. The vice dean collaborates with University Relations and Development in developing strategies for the university's fundraising, alumni, and communications programs and is responsible for the leadership of all the major, leadership and principal gifts development functions and staff at the Case School of Engineering.

The vice dean is a key member of the dean's senior administrative group, advises and staffs the dean, department chairs and members of the faculty on all fundraising activities, and serves as a primary point of contact to the external community on the positioning of development programs. Functioning as part of a university-wide development executive team, this position will be expected to work collegially and in partnership with school-based and central development colleagues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Manage a discreet portfolio of high-capacity prospective donors to secure gifts of $1M+ from the school's prospect pool which is primarily alumni constituents. (40%)
2. Serve as a member of the senior staff of the Case School of Engineering and advisor to the Dean on matters of advancement, development, and external affairs. Work in partnership with the Dean; the Case Alumni Association; other development and alumni relations colleagues; faculty, alumni and other stakeholders of the Case School of Engineering ; and university relations and development to raise philanthropic support for priority programs, centers and departments. (20%)
3. Lead identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for the Case School of Engineering's strategic priorities to ensure lasting relationships with donors and potential donors. Develop and execute high level strategies to advance the school's major and principal gift pipeline, advising and coaching development staff (20%).
4. Collaborate with the Case Alumni Association staff to formulate an annual fundraising plan that articulates prospects to be seen, solicited and funds to be raised for the dean, vice president and other Development and Alumni Relations officers. (10%).
5. Manage and direct the development staff of the Case School of Engineering , including strategic planning, solicitation strategies, and performance measurements. Approve expenditures and manage the budget for Development and External Affairs for the Case School of Engineering. Operate effectively and with fiscal responsibility, both as an individual and in a team environment. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with dean, associate deans, departmental chairs and directors. Contact with faculty, students and staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Regular contact with the president's office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Continuous contact with friends, corporate and foundation representatives, community organizers/advocates, federal, state and local government officials. Occasional contact with foreign visitors, volunteer boards, and other organizations as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Infrequent contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise a department of eight professional and administrative staff (8).

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 15 or more years of progressive experience in development or related field with transferable skills. Must have a proven track record of securing major and leadership level gifts . Previous supervisory experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Tenacity in identifying new sources of philanthropic support, ability to close gifts
2. Ability to work independently and show accountability for fundraising programs.
3. Ability to multi-task and work with an ever-changing schedule. Strong organizational planning and management skills.
4. Must be able to work effectively under stress.
5. Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented and multifaceted development program.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
7. Outstanding interpersonal skills required.
8. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues. Ability to interact successfully with a variety of constituents.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
11. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
12. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Willingness to travel and work on a flexible time schedule including some evening and weekend hours. Travel outside of the Greater Cleveland area will be required.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.