Now Hiring - Vanderbilt University - Associate Director of Development, Family Philanthropy in Nashville, TN

Cover Letter and Resume required to apply

Vanderbilt University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, major gift officer to serve as the Associate Director of Family Philanthropy.

Reporting to DAR’s Executive Director of Family Philanthropy, this position will serve as a strategic partner responsible for managing and executing development plans for parents and multi generational families.

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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Identify, cultivate and solicit parents for gifts of $100,000 and above; develop solicitation strategies for parents who are potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff deans, faculty, and volunteers as needed.
• Manage a portfolio of up to 85 prospects and donors.
• Function as a discovery officer for prospective parent donors.
• Regular travel and occasional evening/weekend work is required.
• Complete at least 100 face-to-face visits each fiscal year.
• Support the Executive Director in strengthening the parent major gift pipeline and development of parent philanthropy programs.
• Work collaboratively with Executive Director and other development officers in cultivating philanthropic families.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about DAR’s responsibilities to the mission
• Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in supporting all schools/units.
• Becoming an expert in parent giving and engagement opportunities, especially the Parents Leadership Committee.

Cultivate relationships with DAR staff, administrators, and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies, such as parents of the University by:

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices.
• Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration. This includes working with major gifts officers, the regional and discovery teams, operations/advancement services, department leadership, reunion teams, strategic initiatives, and the DAR leadership team.

Enhance departmental performance standards by:

• 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 and collaboration.

Contribute to departmental efficiency by:

• 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.

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results.
• Maintaining composure and calm yet professional demeanor during challenging situations.
• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues

Supervisory Relationships :

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Family Philanthropy.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills :

• Three years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Prefer at least two to three years at a major research university or similar organization, including direct solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals.
• 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 are essential.
• The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• 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.
• 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
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Please submit cover letter and resume to be considered

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 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.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

At Vanderbilt University , 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 Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum 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 through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

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.

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