Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU - connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Associate Dean for External Relations serves as a key academic leader responsible for overseeing three transformational areas: donor development for student success and faculty/staff excellence, high-impact practices for exceptional co-curricular experiences, and workforce development for students. This position requires strategic seasonal engagement approaches to maximize relationship-building opportunities when alumni, industry leaders, and potential donors are most accessible and receptive to partnership development.
Roles and Duties
-Identify and cultivate major donors passionate about student success and educational excellence
-Manage major gift solicitations for scholarships, faculty development, staff programs, and technology
-Create endowment strategies ensuring sustained funding for excellence initiatives
-Establish scholarship endowments removing financial barriers for students pursuing community service careers
-Create emergency funding programs supporting students facing unexpected financial challenges
-Develop study abroad and conference funding enabling transformational educational experiences
-Develop faculty development endowments supporting ongoing professional growth and innovation
-Establish faculty research and innovation funds enabling cutting-edge projects
-Assist in creating co-curricular experiences that are second to none in applied sciences education
-Assist in developing international experience programs providing global perspectives in each discipline
-Establish innovation labs and maker spaces where students solve real community problems
-Develop the process in creating a comprehensive co-curricular transcript system documenting all experiential learning
-Design capstone showcase events where students present achievements to industry leaders
-Build direct employment pipelines with healthcare systems, social service agencies, criminal justice organizations, sports enterprises, and hospitality businesses
-Conduct comprehensive workforce needs assessments to ensure programs produce skills employers demand
-Create employability subcommittee on Leadership Council providing real-time feedback on industry trends and skill requirements
-Develop graduate placement tracking systems maintaining established employment rates within specified time of graduation
-Facilitate direct mentor relationships between students and industry executives
Position Details
Appointment: 12 Month
Minimum Qualifications
-Earned doctorate
-Open Faculty Rank
-Minimum of 5 years' experience as an academic program director
-Previous experience serving as a department chair or equivalent academic leadership role
-Experience in fundraising
-Experience implementing high-impact educational practices
-Experience with implementing workforce partner strategies
Skills and Competencies:
-Relationship building expertise in cultivating partnerships
-Results oriented approach with commitment to measurable outcomes across four pillars
-Strong leadership and collaborative skills with faculty, staff, and students
-Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
-Proficiency in data analysis and assessment methodologies
-Knowledge of contemporary higher education trends and best practices
Personal Attributes:
-Commitment to academic excellence and student success
-Collaborative leadership style with ability to build consensus
-Innovative thinking and problem-solving capabilities
-Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
