Advanced Development for Deans and Academic Leaders 2025
Learning Objectives
- Analyze how data analytics and research can improve development success
- Discuss emerging trends in philanthropy and the impact to giving
- Develop best practices on how to build an effective donor pipeline
- Demonstrate organizational change strategies to champion your stewardship efforts
- Recognize how active listening and strategic thinking can positively impact fundraising initiatives.
- Strategize how to translate vision into fundraising priorities
Who Should Attend
- Academic leaders who attended the CASE Development for Deans and Academic Leaders conference, or who have major gift fundraising experience
- Deans and Academic Leaders who have major gift fundraising experience or increased fundraising responsibility
- Development officers who plan to attend alongside academic leaders from their institution
- Deans and Academic Leaders with increased fundraising responsibility
Meet Your Chair
Armin Afsahi
An accomplished and respected advancement leader with nearly 30 years of experience, Armin Afsahi began serving as Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development at The University of Chicago in April 2023. In this role, he leads the University’s strategy, direction, and organization for development, alumni relations, and campaign planning. He works closely with UChicago’s president, provost, deans, officers, and board of trustees to advance the University’s mission through the intellectual, social, professional, and philanthropic engagement of the University community.
Afsahi brings a wide range of expertise in institutional advancement, strategic management, business development, leadership, and operations. Prior to joining UChicago, he held senior roles in advancement at multiple universities including the University of Denver, UC San Diego, Georgetown University, and Harvard University, respectively. He is a member of the board of directors for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), serving on the Leadership and Governance and Finance and Investment commitees. He is a recipient of of the CASE Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence.
Afsahi holds a BA in communications from UC San Diego and an MBA from the University of San Diego.
Register for a conference in US/CAN and apply the cost toward your first year of CASE membership in US/CAN. This offer is open to most in-person conferences or trainings scheduled through June 30, 2025. Some restrictions apply. Offer does not include cost of pre-conference registration. One offer per institution.