Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and experienced development professional for the role of Associate Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy, West Coast, as a member of the Regional Philanthropy Team. The Associate Director is a frontline major gifts officer position that will support the fundraising efforts for the West Coast region, along with increasing alumni engagement and annual giving programs to drive greater levels of engagement and support. 

The Associate Director is expected to reside within the region, with preference given to candidates who will live in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento). 

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. The Department operates in a highly collaborative and cooperative environment.

You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

The Regional Philanthropy Team (RPT)

This position will be a key part of Vanderbilt’s Regional Philanthropy Team (formed in 2023), which is an effort to increase our presence and engagement with markets outside of Tennessee. The goal is to develop networks that promote development activity and engagement with Vanderbilt’s growing community of students, alumni, and parents. This regional strategy includes in-market offices with staff in Atlanta, Dallas/Houston, Miami, New York City, and the West Coast. All members of Regional Philanthropy Team are generalist fundraisers, supporting all units/colleges/ collaborative. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Execute Regional Philanthropy’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program, at Vanderbilt University.

DAR’s university development team is responsible for securing new resources from alumni, parents, and friends to support key fundraising priorities at Vanderbilt University. The Associate Director is expected to help coordinate and plan development activity within the assigned region to support this mission. 

Secure major gifts and meet defined performance goals.

The Associate Director serves as a frontline major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, stakeholders, and prospects that can make gifts of $100,000 or greater. In addition to dollars raised, performance metrics include proposals delivered, proposals closed, qualifications, and visits.

Key performance indicators:

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 university leadership, faculty, and volunteers as needed. Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-100+ major gift prospects and donors. Secure in-person visits in various locations throughout the western United States, with a focus on the San Francisco Bay Area, greater Los Angeles, and other markets as assigned. Make 15+ solicitations at the $100k+ level each fiscal year, closing a minimum of seven.

Serve as a liaison to other development teams, university offices, and school leadership. 

This position relies on high-level collaboration and clear communication with Development and Alumni Relations colleagues both on campus and in other identified regions. Building and maintaining relationships across DAR is an essential skill for the Associate Director as they plan and execute donor strategies with a variety of campus constituents. Key partners include Schools/College development colleagues, Leadership and Philanthropic Engagement, Provost areas, Planned Giving, Parents, Athletics, Marketing & Communications, Alumni Engagement, Career Advancement and Engagement, etc.

To realize the success of the Regional Philanthropy’s efforts, the Associate Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR staff in a manner that is fully donor-centric. 

Strategic planning and constructive feedback are highly valued, as these are skills frequently utilized to compliment philanthropic efforts beyond development.

Will work diligently with donors and volunteers to identify their peers to help increase the Vanderbilt sphere of influence.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about DAR’s responsibilities to the mission. Attaining a baseline depth of knowledge for the various colleges, initiatives, and programs across campus and their associated philanthropic needs. 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.

Enhance departmental performance standards by:

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 team Conveying thoughts/ideas to the leadership team on improving departmental performance

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with team Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues Performing other duties as assigned

Work Environment:

This is a fully remote position, with the expectation of occasional travel to campus. The Associate Director is expected to reside within the designated region and preference will be given to candidates who currently live/work or plan to relocate to the Northern California area (San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento). The Associate Director will be responsible for providing their own suitable working conditions to meet the needs of the position.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position is an individual contributor and will report administratively and functionally to the Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy, West Coast. 

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required

Experience and Skills:

Four years of relevant development experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.  Prefer three to five years of relevant development experience at a major research university or similar organization, including direct solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals.  The Associate Director must be a polished fundraising professional who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university, and in particular, the significant role of Vanderbilt’s academic community.  Willingness and skill to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger, utilizing a variety of giving mechanisms.  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.  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.  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.  Experience planning and executing extensive donor-centered travel plans, including overnight trips, occasional evening work for special events, and weekend trips as needed.  This position will also travel (quarterly and/or as needed) to Nashville for department-wide meetings, special events, and other all-hands activities.  Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.