American University’s Washington College of Law (WCL) is a nationally and internationally respected law school rooted in a 129-year legacy of advancing justice, public service, and the rule of law. Founded by women in 1896 and located in Washington, D.C., WCL occupies a distinctive position at the intersection of law, democracy, and global impact. The law school is recognized for top-ranked programs in clinical legal education, international law, trial advocacy, health law and policy, intellectual property, and part-time legal education, supported by a dedicated faculty and an engaged, mission-driven student body of approximately 1,500 learners across J.D., LL.M., S.J.D., and M.L.S. programs.

WCL is part of American University, a student-centered research institution known for creating meaningful change locally, nationally, and globally. With an alumni community exceeding 22,000 graduates working across public service, private practice, government, corporate leadership, and international institutions, WCL combines deep loyalty with significant untapped philanthropic potential. The law school’s values-driven culture, strong alumni identity, and location in the nation’s capital create a powerful platform for engagement, influence, and impact.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Dean for Advancement role represents a moment of opportunity to shape the future of one of the country’s most mission-driven law schools. Following the successful conclusion of American University’s historic $500 million Change Can’t Wait campaign and as planning begins for a more ambitious University-wide campaign, WCL is poised to elevate its philanthropic profile and play a leading role in the University’s next chapter of growth.

This position is newly situated within a reimagined advancement structure that more fully integrates WCL with central University Advancement while honoring the law school’s distinct culture and alumni loyalty. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement and working closely with the Dean, the Assistant Dean serves as the chief architect of WCL’s fundraising and alumni engagement strategy. The role carries significant visibility, influence, and a mandate to lead change rather than simply manage programs.

At the center of the opportunity is the chance to re-engage a broad and diverse alumni community and to position WCL’s highest-impact priorities for philanthropic support, including scholarships, faculty excellence, experiential learning, and nationally visible centers and programs such as the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project and immigration and human rights initiatives. The Assistant Dean will help align donors with initiatives that sit at the intersection of law, justice, and community impact, directly shaping WCL’s ability to expand access, strengthen its national reputation, and amplify its influence in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

The salary range for this position is $185,000–$200,000.