Assistant Dean of Development - American University : Job Details

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Base pay range

$155,000.00/yr - $175,000.00/yr

Position Title: Assistant Dean of Development, School of Public Affairs

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Development

Position: Full-Time, Hybrid, 2- 3 days a week on campus. Exempt

Location: Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia.

Travel: This position requires regular travel, and out of area travel approximately 25-40% of the time.

Salary: $155,000 - 175,000 annually

The Role

The Assistant Dean of Development is the lead fundraiser for the School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University. This person works closely with both the University Advancement team and the Dean of SPA to design and lead fundraising efforts that support the school's top priorities.

A major part of the role is focused on securing large gifts—typically between $100,000 and $1 million or more. The Assistant Dean also partners with other fundraising teams across the university, including those focused on annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and parent giving.

As a member of the Dean's leadership team, the Assistant Dean helps ensure that fundraising efforts align with the school's academic programs and strategic vision. They also serve as a key representative of SPA—building strong relationships with alumni, donors, and other supporters.

The Assistant Dean leads a small development team and works closely with the Director of Development. Together, they manage donor outreach, events, alumni engagement, and stewardship activities. They also help guide the SPA Dean's Council, a group of volunteer leaders who support the school, by recruiting members, setting meeting agendas, and coordinating communications.

Another important part of the job is helping plan and manage the Dean's involvement in fundraising—organizing donor meetings, preparing for travel, and ensuring ongoing communication with key supporters.

Essential Functions

Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects. Lead strategy, cultivation, and solicitation efforts to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.

Dean's Fundraising Strategy & Council (20%)

Partner with the Dean to plan donor outreach, manage key communications, coordinate travel and events, and lead the strategy for the SPA Dean's Council.

Supervise and support the SPA development team, including the Director of Development and Development Coordinator. Set goals, delegate tasks, and guide strategy for donor engagement and stewardship.

Annual Giving & Communications (5%)

Work with the Annual Giving team to ensure SPA's messages are current, compelling, and aligned with larger campaigns. Lead development of annual appeals and school-specific content.

Other Duties (5%)

Support Advancement-wide initiatives and other projects as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• 7+ years of fundraising experience, including at least 4 years closing major gifts of $100,000+
• Experience managing staff and working with donor databases
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Preferred:

• Success with gifts of $500,000+
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with senior leaders, managing volunteers, and building donor pipelines
• Travel: Local and regional travel required (25–40%). Occasional evenings and weekends.
• Budget Oversight: $35,000+ for events, travel, and publications
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Development; works closely with the Dean of SPA

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Tanya Henry at [email protected] or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively Protected Bases ) in its programs and activities.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelExecutive

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionBusiness Development, Marketing, and Public Relations
• IndustriesHigher Education, Non-profit Organizations, and Education Administration Programs

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