University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences (Penn SAS) seeks an empowering, strategic, and inclusive Associate Vice Dean for Advancement (AVD) to lead fundraising and alumni engagement activities with an approach that will maximize and integrate advancement capabilities and seize upon the creative potential of this moment of transition, renewal, and excitement for Penn’s new strategic framework, In Principle and Practice. The next AVD will think and operate on a global scale, reflecting the immense impact of Penn and its valued network of generous alumni who demonstrate the full possibilities of the liberal arts and sciences.
A community of more than 500 faculty and 6,400 students, SAS is the foundational underpinning of Penn’s educational and research excellence in the humanities, natural, and social sciences. As innovative teachers and outstanding scholars, SAS faculty members advance how one thinks about the world’s biggest questions, lead the way in transformative discoveries, and invent new directions in interdisciplinary inquiry. These synergistic avenues of study manifest in curricula, programs, and centers that specialize in the study of everything from climate and big data to the arts, democracy, and dialogue. With more than 120,000 alumni, SAS is the largest School within Penn. Positioned at the center of Penn’s intellectual universe, Penn SAS is preserving the vitality of the liberal arts and ensuring its continued relevance for a new era.
In partnership with Vice Dean for Advancement Deborah Rhebergen, the AVD will be chiefly responsible for managing the fundraising and alumni engagement strategy for SAS and will manage the College External Advisory Board in partnership with the Dean of the College. Serving as a member of the SAS Advancement senior leadership team, the AVD will be an active thought partner and deputy designate for the Vice Dean. As such, the AVD will mentor and manage approximately ten staff members in individual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and alumni engagement. Leading by example, the AVD will maintain a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects.
The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader and an effective liberal arts champion with all constituents, embracing open dialogue. The AVD will work closely with other school- and centrally based colleagues to execute a comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategy for the School. The AVD will maintain the strong partnership between SAS and centrally based staff, encouraging a culture of coordination, collaboration, and cooperation.
The successful candidate will have at least ten years of directly applicable experience, including at least five years of management of a development team, ideally within a complex academic setting. The Associate Vice Dean will possess a collaborative and collegial style, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for the mission and goals of SAS and the broader University. A bachelor’s degree is required. In accordance with its core values and mission, Penn is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals with a commitment to multiculturalism.
Application Instructions
The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences 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: pennsas-avda@talentcitizen.com.
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
