Boston University School of Law (BU Law) seeks an astute, ambitious, and collaborative Assistant Dean, Development & Alumni Relations (Assistant Dean) to lead fundraising and alumni engagement activities that will advance a well-primed program to increased maturity at a time of visionary ambition at the outset of a campaign that will propel transformational achievement.
BU Law is one of the nation’s top 25 law schools, with top-10 ranked programs in health law and intellectual property, and intersectional prowess in civil rights and public interest law. In 1872, the School of Law opened its doors, admitting qualified students regardless of race, gender, or religion—an idea ahead of its time that cemented equity as the bedrock of BU Law. The school swiftly earned its place at the forefront of legal education, pioneering advancements such as the sequenced, three-year curriculum that is now the common standard for legal education in the United States. Over the past 152 years, BU Law’s faculty and alumni have made a profound impact across multiple sectors of society. They have argued some of the nation’s most consequential cases, advanced the cause of civil rights and equal justice for all people, and fueled innovation in industries from mass media to technology to healthcare. This legacy provides ripe ground for the Development and Alumni Relations team to be innovative and opportunistic in identifying prospects, implementing strategies, and cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts with a focus on excellence and access as the University enters an ambitious multi-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign.
In partnership with Dean and Ryan Roth Gallo Professor of Law Angela Onwuachi-Willig and Assistant Vice President for School Development Zach Dubin, the Assistant Dean will be chiefly responsible for systematically engaging and soliciting individual prospects who have potential to make significant philanthropic contributions to the law school. In addition to serving as a member of the Dean’s leadership team, the Assistant Dean will mentor and provide strategic guidance to six staff members and manage the Dean’s Advisory Board in partnership with Dean Onwuachi-Willig. The development program at BU Law is built on a strong foundation, providing the next Assistant Dean with a solid base and significant runway to grow the program, shaping the future of the School alongside a beloved Dean, a warm and excited community of alumni and friends, and with eager and committed team members.
The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader and an effective advocate with all constituents. The Assistant Dean will work in close collaboration with other school- and centrally based colleagues to execute a comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategy for the School. The successful candidate will have at least 14 years of directly applicable experience, including management of a comprehensive development program within a complex academic setting. The Assistant Dean will possess a collaborative and collegial style, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the mission and goals of BU Law and the broader University. A bachelor’s degree is required. In accordance with its core values and mission, BU is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals who will promote and uphold the values embodied within the University’s Diversity Statement.
Application Instructions
Boston University has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please contact President Tracy D. Welsh, Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin, and Associate José Cisneros to share your resume and cover letter via email at: bu-adlaw@talentcitizen.com.
Boston University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. Boston University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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