26 DEANS AND DEVELOPMENT Arts and Sciences at the University of Notre Dame put it, “A dean is the conductor of an orchestra made up entirely of composers.” Develop- ment officers can easily get sucked into trying to referee inter-depart- mental battles or in reining in the Lone Rangers. One Vice President told me that in his experience, it took at least a year after a constitu- ency development officer moved back to University Development for the officer to get back to a higher level of effectiveness as a fund- raiser. To avoid distraction from the main goal, an Arts and Sciences dean and development officer needs to work closely with University Development, listen to their advice, and be aware that the dangers are real. With good professional advice, a clear message from the dean that development is essential and needs to be run professionally, and a consistent focus on cultivation, proposals, and asks, an Arts and Sciences Development Office can be successful. The Joy of Giving and Receiving Despite the potential pitfalls and setbacks, many Arts and Sciences deans and development officers have created successful fundraising opera- tions and raised impressive sums. And, despite the fears, or disdain, that some faculty members have for fundraising, it can be interesting and even fun. Most prospects interested in giving to the College that merit the dean’s attention are people with a great deal of life experience, broad tastes, and creative minds that have already given to hospitals, the arts, religious organizations, schools, and political causes. They have a lot to share and much to teach you. Once they see you’re not an intellectual elitist, they like hearing about your college’s intellectual, artistic, and scientific endeavors. They also appreciate your being a manager, who has had to deal with budget cuts, personnel problems, and strategic planning. They will be your willing partner; they provide the funds and you the expertise and appropriate skills and resources in a cooperative effort to advance the educational mission. You offer your prospects a chance to make a difference. By working with you, donors can do something with their money that shapes young people’s lives, passes on the wisdom of centuries, helps discover new knowledge or create artistic works, and builds an institution that will