The Senior Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy - New York City for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) helps lead the major gift fundraising efforts and coordinates Regional Hubs strategy in the New York City market to drive greater levels of engagement and support.

The Senior Director of Development will focus on maximizing fundraising and engagement opportunities for the department, manages a portfolio of top prospects, assists in overseeing a budget for operations and travel, coordinates and leads activation on the Vanderbilt New York City campus, and serves as a leader within Regional Team. The Senior Director of Development is expected to live in, or in close proximity to, New York City to effectively execute on all responsibilities and optimize philanthropic support in the region.

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 engagement, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

The Senior Director must be a seasoned and polished fundraising professional who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university. In particular, they must have a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the various units across the university that they represent as a generalist fundraiser. This places an emphasis on intellectual curiosity to ensure a high level of collaboration across the university.

Assist in the design, implementation, and coordination of the development and alumni engagement program in New York City, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University. DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations to support key fundraising priorities. The Senior Director is charged with assisting in the setting, tracking, and assessing progress towards fundraising goals. The Senior Director also works to effectively engage boards, committee, or councils whose membership includes alumni or other supporters and whose responsibilities – in part or solely – include increasing philanthropy. This includes specific attention to the new Vanderbilt New York City campus in Chelsea which will offer a myriad of added engagement opportunities.

Secure major and principal gifts. The Senior Director serves as a major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 75 prospects that are capable of making gifts of $100,000 or greater. Outright gifts, pledges, corporate and foundation awards, and planned gifts at this level are all part of the Senior Director’s portfolio.

Increase the overall fundraising success for Vanderbilt University. The Senior Director is charged with assisting the Executive Director, Regional Philanthropy in the oversight of 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. The Senior Director also works closely with the Executive Director in the goal setting process each fiscal year to set targets that are both ambitious and achievable. This process includes implementing and overseeing individual fundraising execution and strategy for the Associate Director, New York City position on the Regional Team, and for the entire New York City region.

Optimize collaboration and synergy within Regional Hubs. The Senior Director will both work within and oversee Regional Hub activity for New York City. The Senior Director will be responsible for maintaining their current collaborative efforts with both Career Advancement & Engagement (CAE) and University Enrollment Affairs (UEA) colleague in their hub location. In addition, the Senior Director will serve as a liaison, alongside the Senior Director, Regional Philanthropy, between CAE and UEA leadership on broader hubs strategy and collaboration, including participation in Senior Director and Hubs Strategy monthly meetings. They will work with hub team to activate on Chelsea campus for robust and holistic engagement of both internal and external constituents.

Serve as liaison to other development teams. To maximize the success of the Regional Team’s effort, the Senior Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives in New York City. This includes collaboration with schools, colleges, and programs, as well as developing prospect strategies for the effective utilization of the Dean, around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the academic and research mission of Vanderbilt University.

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 the team 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 has the supervisory responsibility for the Associate Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy - New York City.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director, Regional Philanthropy.

Work Environment: 

This is a hybrid role based in New York City.  The expectation is for this position to be on the NYC campus 1-2 days per week, or more depending on business needs. 

Routine travel to Nashville, TN, approximately quarterly. 

Compensation: The compensation range for this role is approximately $160-$180k annually, along with the comprehensive benefits that Vanderbilt provides. This position includes eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus of up to 15%, or more, of your annual salary, contingent on meeting predetermined goals. The exact bonus amount will be determined based on your ability to successfully deliver on balanced performance indicators throughout the fiscal year.  Other eligibility factors apply. Education and Certifications: A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary. Experience and Skills: Five years of relevant fundraising experience, or the equivalent, is necessary. Five or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education business school setting preferred Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of 100,000 and larger Excellent organizational skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests, and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University 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 Excellent written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new ideas, 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 are essential Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies 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. 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