Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN 37230
Job #2714792264
The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for soliciting gifts of $100,000 and larger for Vanderbilt University's College of Engineering (Engineering) team within the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) department. This position is responsible for development solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.
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.
Work Environment: The preference for this position is to be located in Nashville and will by hybrid - in the office approximately 1 day per week depending on business needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Identify, cultivate and solicit alumni, parents and friends for gifts of $100,000 and above; develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects and donors.
Make a minimum of 100 face-to-face meetings each fiscal year.
Travel regularly to ensure discovery and cultivation of prospect and donors in give territory is ongoing. Travel expectation is approximately 16-20 trips a year.
Secure $1 million+ annually in dollars raised
Make 15-20 solicitations at the $100k+ level each fiscal year
Support the Associate Dean and Senior Director of Major Gifts in strengthening the major gift pipeline for Engineering.
Support the activities of the Engineering Alumni Board by recruiting potential members, managing relationships with Alumni Board members, and staffing events.
Represent the Associate Dean and/or Senior Director of Major Gifts as needed.
Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and Engineering's responsibilities to the mission
Attaining an in-depth understanding of Engineering development programs and their goals.
Cultivate relationships with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) staff, faculty, Deans and administrators within Engineering, and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies such as alumni, parents, and friends of the University by:
Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts
Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration. This includes working with other major gifts officers, operations/advancement services, school leadership, reunion teams, and the DAR leadership team.
Performing as a team player
Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department
Meeting or exceeding department performance standards
Fostering a spirit of cooperation
Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
Clearly communicating concerns and questions to supervisor and staff
Soliciting guidance from supervisor and co-workers when uncertainty arises
Conveying thoughts to supervisor on improving departmental performance
Performing other duties as assigned
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
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Development, Engineering.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary
Four years of development or relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary
Three to five years of experience in higher education development preferred, including direct donor solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger
Excellent oral and written communication skills
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
Experience with trip planning, domestic travel, and scheduling "discovery" appointments with individuals (i.e., donors, prospects, clients, customers that applicant may have never met before)
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
Routine overnight travel is required
Some evening and weekend work, as needed
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.
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
The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential
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
Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN 37230 • 3 Days Ago
Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN 37230 • 3 Days Ago
Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN 37230 • 3 Days Ago
Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN 37230 • Yesterday
Franklin, TN 37064 • 8 Days Ago
LEO Events, LLC • Nashville, TN 37201 • 4 Days Ago
LCS • Nashville, TN 37247 • Jul 11
Johnson Controls International • Nashville, TN 37247 • 4 Days Ago