Job Description

SUMMARY:

POSITION SUMMARY:

It is a time of great promise and great momentum for the University of Richmond and our School of Law. In fiscal year 2026, the Law School generated an 11 percent increase in alumni donors and set a new all-time record for dollars raised. At the University level, we are poised to launch the most ambitious campaign in our history, and the Law School will be a critical driver of campaign success – as well as a key campaign beneficiary, building on a foundation of strength. The Law School’s Assistant Dean for Development & Alumni Relations, reporting to the Associate Dean for Development & Alumni Relations, will play a critical role in realizing the opportunities before us.

The Assistant Dean serves as second-in-command and “chief operations officer” of the Law School’s Development & Alumni Relations team, managing three direct reports and leading annual fund, alumni relations, and donor relations activities in addition to managing a portfolio of prospective donors to secure major and planned gifts. Alongside the Associate Dean, the Assistant Dean helps set strategy and goals for the team, including the development of special initiatives to capitalize on key anniversaries and emerging opportunities. The Assistant Dean is forward thinking and proactive, managing multiple priorities and collaboratively engaging direct reports, internal colleagues and administrators throughout campus, and donors and other external partners to advance the priorities of the Law School. The Assistant Dean is a collegial partner and valued member of the broader Law School and University Advancement teams.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• With high-level guidance from Associate Dean, lead Development & Alumni Relations annual fund, alumni relations, and donor relations communications and programming (60%):
  • Manage Director of Annual Fund & Alumni Relations, Law Development Officer, and Operations Manager, driving performance and accountability, supporting professional development, and ensuring alignment with Law School and University priorities.
  • Foster a culture of high support and high accountability, where staff members feel empowered to take strategic risks, openly discuss challenges, and take ownership of their goals.
  • Work with Associate Dean to set annual targets for annual fund, set alumni relations strategy, and develop individual metrics and goals for each team member. Monitor, drive, and report on progress to established goals. Adapt as necessary to keep team on track.

• In partnership with Law Communications and University Advancement, ensure that law communications are donor-centric, and that stories of law donors, philanthropy, and donor impact are produced and shared broadly across various communications channels in alignment with Law School and campaign priorities.

• Oversee Law Development & Alumni Relations events, ensuring events are aligned with strategic goals of team and Law School and executed with polish and panache.

• Using independent judgment, knowledge of best practices, and data analytics, develop and drive Law’s Donor Relations strategy, ensuring donors are stewarded and recognized in ways that surprise, delight, and inspire them to continue expanding the scope of their impact on the Law School.

• Working closely with University Donor Relations, Law Admissions, and the Office of Financial Aid, support the production and distribution of law annual endowment and impact reports, to include monitoring actual use of reported funds against documented donor intent.

• Support the Associate Dean on special donor recognition and stewardship projects.

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• Manage a portfolio of assigned prospective donors (5- to 7-figure gift potential) (40%):
  • Move assigned prospective donors through gift cycle from qualification and cultivation to gift closure and stewardship, through personal meetings and interactions, with a focus on securing major and planned gifts in the 5- to 7-figure range.
  • Leading with questions, develop expertise on each assigned individual’s/family’s motivations and goals and, with Associate Dean’s guidance, determine optimal approach to develop their philanthropic partnership with UR in alignment with Law School and University priorities.
  • Write gift proposals as needed, leveraging campaign and Law School resources, to make a bespoke case for support to potential major and planned gift donors.
  • Meet activity and revenue goals through personal outreach. Travel is required as necessary to achieve 50+ meetings a year, as well as goals for qualification and solicitations.
  • Follow University and Law School policies, including ensuring compliance with University prospect management guidelines for data entry, metrics tracking, new gift opportunity approvals, and gift documentation.
  • Take advantage of opportunities for professional development offered through the Law School, University, and external organizations such as CASE.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong, demonstrated management and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work with diverse internal and external constituencies,
• Demonstrated knowledge of development and alumni relations best practices; major and planned gift frontline fundraising experience preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate an understanding of the ethical principles associated with working in development, and to use discretion in interactions with members of the University of Richmond community.

• Proven ability to work effectively with honesty and transparency, managing both up and down, in a collaborative, multi-level team environment with a high degree of collegiality.

• Strong written communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast-paced environment, using data to drive decisions and adjust course when necessary.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and fundraising software applications, including database management.

• Must have a valid Driver's License and ability and willingness to travel as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Minimum of four to six years of experience in development, or in another career with highly transferable skills, with a proven track record of success.
• Computer proficiency is required, and experience with Blackbaud CRM, or other donor database is strongly preferred.

• A high degree of personal integrity is essential.

WORK HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. 38.75 hours per week. Requires travel, evenings, and weekends

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 9 (Hiring Range $92,456 to $121,695 annually)