Director of Development, College of Humanities and Sciences

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Virginia Commonwealth University in the search for a Director of Development, College of Humanities and Sciences.

Reporting jointly to the jointly to the Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and to the Associate Vice President for Development for the Monroe Park Campus, the Director of Development will create and execute the planning and implementation of the College’s development and alumni activities. The Director of Development will focus on achieving individual and institutional fundraising goals and will drive all major gift activity for the College, while managing a portfolio of current and previous donors and new prospects. The Director of Development will cultivate and steward donor interest and involvement in the College that result in expanded and increased levels of giving. The Director of Development will inspire and manage development team members around a shared vision for the College’s long-term success.

Virginia Commonwealth University, a major, urban public research university, was designated in 2013 by U.S. News & World Report as one the nation’s “up and coming universities, recognizing its promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, student life, and research.” VCU ranks among the top 50 public research universities in the country, according to the Center of Measuring University Performance, especially in the areas of faculty awards, doctorates granted, and number of postdoctoral fellows.

VCU enrolls more than 31,000 students in 226 degree and certificate programs in the sciences, arts and humanities across its campuses—the downtown Monroe Park and MCV Campuses, and campuses in Fairfax, Virginia, for the schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts. Hailed for its nationally ranked programs in the arts, social work and health sciences, VCU is a cutting-edge teaching and research university with an exceptional commitment to excellence, diversity, innovation and outreach. VCU secured $271 million in sponsored research in FY16.

VCU strives to ensure a climate of mutual respect and trust where individuals of differing cultural backgrounds, identities, abilities, and life experiences are embraced, engaged, and empowered to drive excellence and achieve success. Every member of the university community has a stake in and responsibility for VCU’s continual achievement of inclusive excellence. Every member of the university community should know VCU is a place where they can come and achieve their goals, and that VCU is invested in their success, health, and well-being. During the interview process, please be prepared to discuss your understanding of diversity and how you promote equity and inclusion in the workforce.

In 2009, Michael Rao, Ph.D. became the fifth President of VCU and President of the VCU Health System. Under his leadership, VCU developed and launched a new strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, which builds on the history of the institution and its strategic assets spanning academic medicine, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, and the arts. Through Quest, VCU works to meet the demands of diverse populations through impactful research, rigorous study, extensive community engagement, and university-wide commitment to human health.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least seven years of professional experience in fundraising, public relations, marketing or a related field. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences – the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service – as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.