Careers at Virginia Tech

Serving as a member of the dean's leadership team, the Assistant Dean of Advancement is responsible for planning and implementing an integrated approach to the College of Science (COS) advancement program by overseeing development and alumni relations, to maximize the support and exposure of the college. The assistant dean serves as chief development officer and manager of the college's advancement program, which recently achieved $20M per year in new gifts and commitments.

The assistant dean will lead a team focused on securing private philanthropic support by identifying targeted alumni, friends, and constituent engagement opportunities and providing excellent stewardship of donors. This position will work with colleagues to further develop corporate philanthropic opportunities. 

Dually reporting to the COS dean and to the centrally based associate vice president of advancement, the assistant dean oversees a staff of advancement professionals.

A successful assistant dean of advancement will:
• Lead and participate in fundraising activities for the College of Science.
• Manage a targeted portfolio of major and principal gift prospects to support the college’s fundraising priorities, goals and long-term philanthropic growth.
• Participate in college leadership meetings; understand, communicate, and advocate for the college’s priorities.
• Work closely with the dean, department heads, program and center directors to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies that advance and support their programs and initiatives.
• Design and execute strategic fundraising and engagement initiatives, including managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, to advance philanthropic growth and secure meaningful support.
• Develop messaging and communications strategies to share the excitement, relevance, and successes of the college and its alumni.
• Manage, support and develop the college advancement team.
• Establish strong working relationships with central advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers and the college advancement team to foster a productive work environment.
• Travel, on average, five to eight days per month to cultivate, solicit, steward, and identify prospects.

Regional and national travel is required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends. The assistant dean must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation. Additionally, the ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible is necessary.

Master’s degree; or Bachelor's degree with significant experience equivalent to an advanced degree.

Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales/marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, or a related field.

Progressive leadership experience and a high level of professionalism.

Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to motivate volunteers and donors.

Self-motivated with the ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

Ability and willingness to travel on a frequent basis.

Experience in higher education fundraising.

Proven success in building productive relationships with senior administrators, key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and donors.

Previous major gifts experience working with progressively complex strategies.

Experience with corporate engagement.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$160,000 to $180,000

40+

October 13, 2025

Safe driving record.

Unable to sponsor work visas.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.