All sessions were recorded during the Development for Deans and Academic Leaders Winter 2021 or Fall 2021 online conferences.

Running with Scissors: Top Development Tips for Academic Leaders 

Ok. So now that we’ve established what we know to be a winning approach to Development, let’s get granular.  With more than 30 years of experience seeing what truly has an ROI worthy of your investment of time, energy and calories, we’re going to address what we consider the key ingredients and some cases, requirements to either establish a focused, high-achieving Development program or to take yours to the next level. 

Lorna Somers, AVP, Development, McMaster University

The Winning Partnership  

A true partnership between a Dean and their development officer is the key to successful fundraising but what does it take to create this type of relationship? In this moderated conversation, hear from seasoned Deans and development officers as they discuss the importance of clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations. They’ll also explore critical success factors to consider and implement as well as tips and attributes to make your partnership a winning one.   

Andrew P. Daire, Dean, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University; 

Jay Davenport, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Virginia Commonwealth University;

Jean Giddens, Professor and Dean, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University;

Gerard McHugh, Associate Professor in Accounting & University and Dean of Development, Trinity College Dublin; and

Dierdre Tracey, Director of Campaigns, Trinity Development & Alumni, Trinity College Dublin

The Role of the Dean in Successful Development 

The dean has a special role in successful development, including designing the case for support, deepening the engagement of top potential givers and participating in all phases of the Cycle. This session highlights important areas of development for deans and includes ideas and strategies to keep in mind throughout the rest of the conference and beyond.

Maureen MacDonald, Dean of Science, McMaster University

Bespoke Development and the Art of Echoes

Successful, strategic Development cannot be characterized as simply a financial transition aimed at filling a need or addressing a shortfall.  While requiring thoughtfully tailored planning and rigorous and consistent implementation, success is often defined by the art and creativity that complements the science because Development is, first and foremost, about relationship building.  It is about introducing and attracting investment in and support for a vision that is compelling and engaging.  So let’s dispel some myths, build on some truths and better understand an approach to Bespoke Development that will inform all of our sessions together.

Lorna Somers, AVP, Development, McMaster University

Anatomy of a Successful Donor Visit

We often think of a solicitation as a singular event, a meeting where we "ask for the order." In actuality, this is more than just a transactional visit and when done right it should ensure success at every stage of the solicitation process. Strategic and generative conversations are at the heart of our work. Questioning and listening are powerful life skills. First and foremost, they should help you create productive donor relationships. Using the five stages of the solicitation process, learn how to develop questions instead of talking points that will inform your gift strategy, advance relationships, and result in a joyful, generous "Yes" to your request.

Peter Hayashida, Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Advancement, University of California, Riverside

The Keys to Purposeful Advisory Boards  

Many institutions find that active and engaged volunteer committees are key components of successful development programs. But what are the actual benefits, and what kind of staffing and planning are necessary to create and nurture your volunteer advisory boards for development purposes? Participants are encouraged to share their successes and challenges in forming and working with advisory boards. 

Jay Davenport, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Virginia Commonwealth University; and 

Maureen MacDonald, Dean of Science, McMaster University

Building a Donor Pipeline and Managing Your Portfolio  

How do we find the most meaningful approach to organizing an Academic Leaders’ external work?  We’ll discuss scenarios for relationship building activity at all levels and how this activity effects the organization of time and calendars. We’ll also explore strategies, tactics and assessment tools that can help advancement officers and academic leader partners achieve positive outcomes for their institutions.  

Kate Bond, Director of Advancement, Trinity College Dublin; and

Dale Wright, Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Transformational Gifts

Philanthropic investments that truly shape our institutions are rare, but the work that leads to these opportunities is ongoing. In this session, we will discuss how best to build the capacity to secure transformational gifts at your institution using a framework that looks at the various elements:   The relationship with the donor, the academic leader, the vision, the business model, and extraordinary stewardship.

Karl Miller-Lugo, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, University of Texas at San Antonio