Senior Director of Development, A&S

Vanderbilt University

  • Nashville, TN
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Job Category: Development & Alumni RelationsJob Description:The Senior Director of Development helps lead the major gift fundraising efforts and coordinates with the school-based alumni relations programs to drive greater levels of engagement and support. The Senior Director identifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni, friends, and foundations for major gifts supporting Arts and Science (A&S).The Senior Director also supports the Associate Dean in coordinating operational services and activities and helps to integrate the major gift fundraising efforts with the work of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, and other DAR colleagues.About the Work Unit:The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University's teaching and research programs. Learn more about our department atKey Functions and Expected Performance:DAR's university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, and foundations to support key fundraising priorities at A&S. The Senior Director of development is charged with assisting in the setting, tracking, and assessing progress towards A&S's fundraising goals in coordination with other DAR teams (e.g. Annual Giving, the Parents and Grandparents Campaign, and Planned Giving). The Senior Director will assist in working with the Dean to effectively engage boards, committee, or councils whose membership includes alumni or other supporters and whose responsibilities - in part or solely - include increasing philanthropy.Secure major gifts.
  • The Senior Director of Development serves as a major gift officer for A&S - driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 65-75 prospects that are capable of making gifts of $250,000 or greater.
  • Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts at this level are all part of the Senior Director of Development's portfolio.
  • Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification, cultivation, and solicitation, and plan business travel accordingly.
  • Make 15-20 solicitations at the $250K+ level each fiscal year
  • Develop, annually, a business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year. Maintain and update this plan on a regular basis.
  • Secure $4-6M+ annually in philanthropic gifts.
Increase the overall fundraising success for A&S.The Senior Director of Development is charged with assisting the comprehensive fundraising program that will drive larger success in securing funds to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to - endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital.Develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:
  • Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and A&S's responsibilities to the mission
  • Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in A&S.
  • Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts.
  • Support the Associate Dean in coordinating operations regarding major gifts fundraising, alumni relations, public relations, and communications. This includes working with prospect research, gift processing and accounting, reporting and analysis, office management, budgeting, and collaboration with the school/college and DAR colleagues as needed.
Enhance departmental performance standards by:
  • Maintaining a level of reliability that helps stability in the department
  • Fostering a spirit of cooperation
  • Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
  • Conveying thoughts/ideas to the Associate Dean of Development on improving team performance
Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:
  • Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results
  • Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
  • Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues
  • Performing other duties as assigned
Supervisory Relationships:This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development, A&S.This position has supervisory responsibility of Directors of Development on the A&S team and 1+ other administrative professionals.Work EnvironmentStrong preference for candidates residing in Nashville to facilitate close collaboration with local stakeholders and donors.Education and Certifications:
  • A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
  • Advance degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:The Senior Director of Development must be a professional and polished fundraising officer who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university, and in particular, the significant role of A&S within this larger academic community. Leading candidates should have:
  • 8 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
  • 5 or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting
  • Experience managing a high functioning team is preferred
  • Experience managing development officers is preferred
  • Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250,000 and larger
  • Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills, and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences
  • Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information
  • Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt's donor management system
  • A proven record of achievement in major gift fundraising from individuals
  • Good written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development
  • Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines - facilitating solutions and driving forward priorities
  • Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred.
  • The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities
  • Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education, research, and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations
  • Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.
  • Routine overnight travel is required
  • Some evening and weekend work, as needed
  • Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About Us:At , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America's Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Vanderbilt University