Assistant Dean for Advancement

Assistant Dean for Advancement

Job #  | 042131
Department Code  | 21814-3009
Department  | Arts & Sciences-Advancement
Job Title  | Assistant Dean for Advancement
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $120,900 - $195,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S6
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | The Assistant Dean for Advancement is responsible for securing significant philanthropic support for the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S, the College) through the development and execution of the College’s fundraising and engagement efforts. The position comprehensively manages the College’s advancement program and directly oversees the College’s advancement staff (currently six positions). The Assistant Dean has front line responsibility for the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of major donors and prospective donors. This position also serves as the primary contact and support for the A&S Dean’s Advisory Board.

Key performance metrics for this position include effective management of the advancement team, face-to-face visits, number and dollar value of solicitations and meeting the College’s annual new business and campaign goals. Serving as a part of the College leadership, this individual will work closely and collaboratively with the Dean and faculty, and Advancement and External Affairs (AEA) colleagues to achieve a high level of financial support from alumni, parents, and friends whose philanthropic priorities match the educational mission and academic programs in the College.

This is a pivotal and inspiring time for the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. As the University’s first and largest college – home to more than one-third of the undergraduate student body – the College spans a remarkable breadth of disciplines, from chemistry to religion, mathematics to philosophy. With the launch of a bold new strategic plan, and under the visionary leadership of Dean Behzad Mortazavi, the College is uniting students and faculty around a shared commitment to tackling the world’s most urgent challenges. Philanthropic support from alumni, families, and friends will be essential to realizing this vision. The advancement team, led by the assistant dean for advancement and working in close partnership with Dean Mortazavi and his cabinet, will play a central role in driving fundraising efforts, cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, and securing critical resources to support the College’s priorities. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team that is championing the College’s mission with vision, energy, and purpose.

The Division of Advancement & External Affairs expresses a shared mission that is collaborative, trusted, respectful, future-focused and is aligned with the overall University. All current and new employees embrace and demonstrate dedication to promoting shared values in an inclusive work culture to propel the future of advancement operations in their everyday work.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. 7+ years of fundraising work in higher education and experience in supervising staff is required. Experience working with a professional\graduate school constituency preferred. Valid driver’s license and passport is required. Travel domestically to meet with donors and prospects.

Skills and Knowledge  | Ability to develop and manage a comprehensive advancement plan. Ability to successfully coach and lead a team of advancement professionals, including hiring as needed. Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including cultivation, successfully soliciting six and seven figure gifts, stewardship, and donor recognition. Expert written and interpersonal communication skills including political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout a complex organization and with external constituencies. Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling cases for support. Exceptional organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Entrepreneurial spirit focused on goals achievement. Willingness and availability to travel domestically. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities  | Work closely with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (the College) and the Associate Vice President for Colleges, Schools, and Units, to develop strategies and execute a comprehensive fundraising and engagement plan. Serve as the College’s chief development officer creating and implementing strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations. Demonstrate accountability to VP for Academic Programs and Partnerships and to the Dean for executing campaign plan and driving toward achievement of advancement and unit goals. Work strategically and collaboratively with centrally based Advancement and External Affairs (AEA) offices and staff, including, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Major Gifts, International and Regional Development, Alumni Engagement, Advancement Services, Prospect Development and Analytics, and Donor Relations. Represent the College and its priorities across the university community. Plan, manage and staff domestic prospect visits for the Dean. Lead the College of Arts and Sciences advancement staff, including direct oversight of a senior director of development, a director of development, associate director of development, and assistant director of development, and an administrative assistant (five staff). Record and maintain updated plans and opportunities for assigned portfolio as well as all other activity relative to donors and prospects. Record results of all solicitations into CITRUS/CRM database including meaningful interactions ensuring the accuracy of all entries. Serve as primary contact and provide oversight to the College’s volunteer advisory board(s) identifying, engaging, soliciting, and stewarding past and present board members. Develop and maintain a deep understanding of College of Arts and Sciences priorities, academic programs, and centers of excellence in order to translate these assets into compelling funding opportunities and align them with donors’ interests. Work with the College faculty and staff to involve them with alumni engagement and funding opportunities where appropriate. Work with the College Budget Office to develop an understanding of annual budgetary needs and to regularly report on fundraising income.

Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110512
Job Posting Date  | 08/12/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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