The Senior Director of Development, Family Philanthropy will help build and coordinate Vanderbilt University’s relationship-building efforts with its highest-level donors and prospective donors with the objective of increasing their engagement with and philanthropic support of the University in the near and long-term.

This position will work in a highly collaborative fashion with institutional leaders and other Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team members, to identify and execute fundraising strategies and oversee the development and execution of a business plan and prospect strategies for their own portfolio. 

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.

DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, and family foundations to support key fundraising priorities.

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

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

The Senior Director of Development will work closely with others to help surface and develop the ideas, consistent with the institution’s strategic direction and often multidisciplinary in nature, that provide the greatest impact to the university’s students and faculty, as well as to the greatest good.

Help design, implement, and coordinate the family philanthropy development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University. 

Align the philanthropic passions of donors with the university’s mission and aspirations. Help provide strategic direction and input to others on the DAR team regarding complex gifts. This role is multi-faceted and requires adaptability. At times, this position will work directly with high level prospects.  Other times, play a behind-the-scenes role in support of others.  Responsible for creating, articulating, and securing support for a broad range of institutional priorities and family philanthropy. Work diligently to understand, embrace, and develop DAR’s unique messaging to proliferate the university’s value proposition. Work cooperatively, collegially, professionally, and respectfully with DAR and university colleagues to develop and foster strong working relationships. Evening work and travel is required.

Secure major and principal gifts. 

The Senior Director of Development serves as a principal gift officer for family philanthropy – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 30+ prospects.  Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts 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. Help develop an annual business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year. Maintain and update this plan on a regular basis. Secure $5M+ annually in philanthropic gifts

Increase the overall fundraising success for family philanthropy. 

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 – parents, grandparents, endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital.  Help develop solicitation strategies for potential principal gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.

Serve as liaison to other development teams. The Senior Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR, Chancellor and Provost offices staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives. 

Collaboration with other schools, colleges, and programs around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the academic and research mission of Vanderbilt. 

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in LPE. Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major and principal gifts. Support the LPE team in coordinating operations regarding principal 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. Work closely with other development officers, supplying strategic direction and sharing knowledge, when 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 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

Work Environment: 

This role is open for remote work (with the expectation of occasional travel to campus). Compensation: 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.

 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct supervisor responsibilities.  This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Development, Family Philanthropy.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and ability to carry out the essential functions of the job.

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.  Leading candidates should have:

8 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary Prefer 8 years of significant fundraising experience closing principal gifts within a complex, higher education organization Successful track record of closing seven and eight figure gifts Expertise working with highest-level giving constituents Experience managing and mentoring other development officers is preferred 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 and principal 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 Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion Routine overnight travel is required Some evening and weekend work, as needed 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.