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Executive Brief

Executive Director of Development for the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
William & Mary

The Organization: William & Mary

William & Mary is the first institution of higher learning in America to become a university. While its original plans date back to 1618, W&M was officially chartered in 1693, and it founded the nation’s first law school in 1779. W&M has been called the Alma Mater of the Nation because of its close ties to America's founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Tyler and James Monroe. It is a premiere public research university famous for its rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum and dedicated, engaged professors.

W&M students are nothing short of exceptional; they're scholars, athletes, changemakers, musicians, world travelers, and generous volunteers. The W&M campus is a masterwork of preservation and innovation. Strategic planning advances William & Mary’s educational vision, mission, and values by addressing its most pressing challenges and by seizing the most promising opportunities. Vision 2026 outlines a five-year plan to expand W&M’s reach, educate for impact and evolve to excel, building on a two-year generative planning process that engaged the entire university community.

Location:

Williamsburg, Virginia, is a wonderful place to live. It is approximately 150 miles south of Washington, D.C. and is located midway between Richmond and Norfolk on Interstate 64. Williamsburg offers the ideal setting for a modern, collegiate atmosphere. Adjacent to the campus is Colonial Williamsburg, which along with Jamestown and Yorktown comprise the Historic Triangle. Interpreters work at all three sites to teach visitors about the beginnings of representative government and cultural diversity in North America. Duke of Gloucester Street (“DoG Street” to students) connects William & Mary to Colonial Williamsburg and forms a preferred corridor for student joggers.

Other nearby attractions include outlet stores, local breweries and distilleries, an arts district, Busch Gardens amusement park — which offers a special William & Mary day in October — and High Street, Midtown Row and New Town, which offer convenient access to restaurants, shopping and movie theaters. Next to campus, at the corner of Prince George Street and Richmond Road, are a popular cluster of delis, pubs and taverns. Tourists flock to Williamsburg every summer, but W&M students and staff have the run of the place during less humid months.

William & Mary - Leadership Spotlight

Katherine A. Rowe - President, William & Mary

Katherine A. Rowe
Twenty-Eighth President, William & Mary

On February 20, 2018, William & Mary’s Board of Visitors unanimously elected Katherine A. Rowe as the 28th president of the university. A nationally recognized innovator in higher education, Rowe champions the liberal arts, entrepreneurship and pathways to careers. She was sworn in as president on July 1, 2018 and inaugurated during the Charter Day Ceremony in February 2019. 

Rowe oversaw the creation of William & Mary’s strategic plan, Vision 2026 – the result of an inclusive, multi-year planning process, which included crafting the university’s first-ever values statement. Built on four cornerstone initiatives — data, water, democracy and careers — Vision 2026 invests in the capacities required for leadership in the 21st century. 

At William & Mary, Rowe has advanced access and affordability for first-generation and low-income students, closing the university’s $1.1B For the Bold campaign in 2020 and a dedicated campaign for Athletics, All In, in 2023. Under her leadership, the university founded a new School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics and a new Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Marine Sciences. Rowe’s cross-university initiatives include a university-wide civics curriculum, a central Entrepreneurship Hub, and the restoration of the Williamsburg Bray School – the oldest extant schoolhouse for Black children in the hemisphere. Major gifts during her tenure include support for military and veteran students and conservation science. William & Mary’s Batten School, established with a $100M naming gift in 2024, leads the nation in coastal resilience. 

An award-winning teacher and scholar, Rowe is also an entrepreneur. She serves on numerous technology and workforce boards in Virginia. She is a past president of the Shakespeare Association of America.

Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College and a master’s and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. She has completed graduate work in Cinema and Media Studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Rowe spent more than a decade coaching Ultimate Frisbee. She was a World Ultimate Club Finalist and a Women’s Nationals Finalist. She co-founded the nonprofit Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance and the Carleton College women’s Ultimate team.

Rowe shares her love of Ultimate with her spouse, Bruce Jacobson, William & Mary’s First Gentleman. They have two adult children, Daniel and Beah.

Evan Lichtenstein - Assistant Vice President for Development, Schools, and Academic Initiatives

Evan Lichtenstein
Assistant Vice President for Development, Schools, and Academic Initiatives

Evan Lichtenstein is a seasoned development professional with over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, holding leadership roles across higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. At William & Mary, Evan serves as Assistant Vice President for Development, Schools, and Academic Initiatives, responsible for leading the academic fundraising of the schools and academic units at W&M while partnering with deans and educational leaders to develop inspiring fundraising priorities and clear strategies to achieve them.   Previously, at Miami University, Evan held multiple senior roles, including Assistant Vice President of Development for the College of Arts and Science, where he led a $50 million campaign as part of a larger $500 million initiative and closed a historic $30.1 million scholarship gift, the second-largest donation in university history. In addition to these achievements, Evan managed and inspired teams to build donor engagement and secure critical support for institutional priorities.

Evan's career includes impactful roles at respected organizations such as the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, The Children’s Hospital, and the American Heart Association. Evan has consistently contributed substantially to each institution's philanthropic goals by implementing major gift programs, organizing large-scale fundraising events, and managing donor missions. With a foundation in public policy and social sciences from Michigan State University's James Madison College, Evan brings strategic insight and a collaborative approach to advancing each organization’s mission through sustainable fundraising and meaningful donor relationships.

William & Mary - School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

The School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics aligns with W&M's academic mission and expands the university's ability to prepare students to thrive in a data-rich world. The school brings together four of the university's high-performing units: Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science and Physics. The school is housed in the Integrated Science Center, which also holds such units as biology, chemistry, neuroscience and psychological sciences, creating increased opportunities for collaboration. 

High-impact research in data-intensive fields will further converge with academic and professional career preparedness, meeting increased student and employer demand while achieving goals from the university's Vision 2026 strategic plan.

School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics - Leadership Spotlight

Douglas Schmidt - Dean, William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

Douglas Schmidt
Dean, William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

Douglas “Doug” Schmidt ’84, M.A. ’86, an internationally recognized scholar with more than three decades of experience in academic and government leadership roles, has been named the dean of William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. 

Schmidt studied sociology as an undergraduate and graduate student at W&M before earning a master’s degree and doctorate in computer science at the University of California, Irvine. This trajectory honed his ability to integrate the liberal arts and sciences with rapid technology innovation. 

As dean, Schmidt is responsible for uniting the school’s four areas – computer science, data science, applied science and physics – into a cohesive academic unit and growing their research, grant funding and doctoral program enrollment. The school will be housed in the Integrated Science Center, which also holds such units as biology, chemistry, neuroscience and psychological sciences, creating increased opportunities for collaboration.

Schmidt is also responsible for establishing a vision with strategic objectives that will ensure the school becomes nationally known as an inclusive and innovative leader in teaching and research. In addition, he is charged with supporting faculty in their research, teaching and service work; leading fundraising efforts and the financial management of the school; and building or strengthening its strategic partnerships. 

Schmidt, a renowned computer scientist, currently serves as the director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) for the U.S. Department of Defense. In that role, he is a senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. A noted researcher and educator, Schmidt has served on the faculty at Vanderbilt University for more than two decades, holding such positions as associate provost and co-director of the Data Science Institute. 

Schmidt was appointed to his current position by U.S. President Joe Biden in 2023 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate the Spring of 2024. As the DOT&E, he serves as senior advisor to the secretary of defense on testing and evaluating Department of Defense weapon systems. His office also provides independent reporting and unbiased assessments of system performance to Congress.

In his more than 20 years at Vanderbilt, he has held many roles, from associate chair of computer science and engineering through a number of leadership positions, including associate chair of the computer science department, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering in Computer Science and associate provost of research development and technologies. He was instrumental in building Vanderbilt’s digital learning initiatives, launching that school’s first massive open online course in 2013 and continually developing innovative programs to serve students. In 2022, Fortune magazine ranked Vanderbilt’s online Computer Science professional master’s degree number one in the nation.

Throughout his career, he has worked at a number of other leading universities, including the University of California, Irvine; Trinity College Dublin; and Washington University, Saint Louis. He was also visiting scientist and chief technology officer for the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.

Schmidt and his family have remained closely connected to William & Mary since his graduation, and his parents created the Schmidt Family Cyber Technology Speaker Series Endowment. Last year, Schmidt gave a lecture on the future of artificial intelligence-augmented research and education as part of that series during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend.

The Opportunity: Executive Director of Development for the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

William & Mary - Executive DoD, School of CDS&P - Job Description (PDF Download)
University Advancement's Mission Statement

University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

William & Mary Foundation’s defining and essential mission is to support the university’s people and programs. By seeking private support, and then diligently managing those funds, the W&M Foundation advances and furthers the work of William & Mary’s students and faculty — providing vital resources for scholarships, professorships, research and program funding.

Consistent with the university’s shared services agreement with the William & Mary Foundation (WMF), this position is assigned 5% effort to support WMF with the responsibilities outlined below.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Development for the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics is the strategic fundraising leader for the benefit of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. The School of CDS&P brings together four of the university's high-performing academic units: Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science and Physics and expands the university's ability to prepare students to thrive in a data-rich world.

The Executive Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Schools & Academic Initiatives in the Office of University Advancement and is a strategic partner to the Dean. The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and strategy for private philanthropy for the benefit of the School of CDS&P, developing, implementing, and executing strategy for institutional development. As a seminal thinker and leader with a demonstrated ability to capitalize on the unique role of the School in an academic and research setting, the Executive Director will work to establish target markets and align philanthropic and engagement strategies and resources to maximize impact.

The Executive Director will be a collaborative leader who helps foster a culture of belonging that embraces all people and perspectives. This position is based in Williamsburg, Virginia, and offers a flexible work environment.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Management:
  • Develop and manage an appropriate-sized major gift portfolio of donors by the end of the second year in the position and to be able to conduct an appropriate number of $50,000 asks based on the portfolio. In addition to annual dollars raised, performance goals include the number of asks and closes, activity/move measures as well as the number of prospects identified and qualified for major gift potential.
     
  • Meet or exceed fundraising metrics and major elements of the solicitation process from cultivation to solicitation to stewardship.
     
  • Create, coordinate, and implement thoughtful and donor-centric development strategies designed to reach the most significant prospects of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics within their own portfolio as well as those whose relationship with W&M may be managed by other staff (this involves playing the lead relationship role with some donors and with other donors will require a complex, behind the scenes coordination among academic leadership and development officers, and volunteers).
     
  • Proactively lead strategy sessions on prospects for School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. Create the program most directly related to the success of fundraising for the particular fiscal year, the campaign, and beyond, and for communicating internally with all interested parties.
     
  • Oversee innovative, systematic, and integrated donor engagement programming that encompasses donor appreciation events, endowed programs and building naming dedications.
     
  • Develop comprehensive briefings for the Dean, President, VP for University Advancement, Associate Vice President for Advancement/Chief Development Officer, and other university and advancement leaders as needed.
     
  • Serve as liaison to and work in conjunction with W&M University Advancement on current and future fundraising initiatives.
Program Leadership:
  • Lead and direct a comprehensive, strategic, fundraising program for the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (to include, but not be limited to, leadership and major gifts, annual fund, planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and donor acquisition programs).
     
  • Partner closely with the Dean to identify and define fundraising priorities.
     
  • Collaborate with Office of University Advancement colleagues.
Foundation:
  • Foundation Support: All work below is related to the support for gifts and/or communication about gifts that will support the WMF or other university foundations.
     
  • Negotiate, finalize, accept, document, and execute gift agreements to the WMF.
     
  • Record and store gift agreements to the WMF.
     
  • As appropriate, manage and invest gifts to the WMF.
     
  • Document, administer and steward gifts to the WMF.

Qualifications and Expectations

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated experience directly related to the position.
     
  • Significant experience in increasingly more responsible roles in development/advancement in a nonprofit or higher education setting.
     
  • Strong leadership and management skills and the ability to drive a culture of engagement and philanthropy and motivate donors in a metrics-driven environment.
     
  • Proven ability to plan, execute, and close significant major gifts ($100,000 and higher) and reach aggressive goals.
     
  • Commitment to teamwork and willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the university, capitalizing on the opportunities that diverse ideas and thoughts can provide.
     
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and fluency in using persuasive language to promote visionary gift opportunities. Advanced writing skills with demonstrated expertise in drafting and executing creative individual and corporate foundation relations (CFR) focused strategies.
     
  • High level of ease working independently and demonstrated work ethic and integrity.
     
  • Significant organizational skills and an ability to handle multiple and complex tasks and projects concurrently.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • An advanced degree in a related field.
     
  • Extensive fundraising experience with a proven track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts.
     
  • Experience working in the fields of physics, data science, engineering or related academic disciplines in higher education.
     
  • Demonstrated performance leading fundraising strategy in an academic unit.
     
  • Fundraising campaign experience.
     
  • Management skills to educate, lead and inspire fundraising professionals and other team members.

Equal Opportunity Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers their employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). W&M employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more.

Applications & Nominations

William & Mary's Office of University Advancement has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Lisa Vuona
Managing Partner, Boston
lvuona@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.

Leslie Smith
Executive Search Consultant, Boston
leslie.smith@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Leslie Smith has helped numerous individuals and organizations achieve their goals. She works with non-profits and educational institutions, helping to define leadership needs and connecting them with the right talent. Along with extensive knowledge of the non-profit sector, she has a passion for strengthening mission-driven organizations and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.

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