Vanderbilt University

The Senior Director of Development, School of Engineering for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) helps lead the major gift fundraising efforts and coordinates strategy to drive greater levels of engagement and support.

The Senior Director of Development will focus on maximizing fundraising and engagement opportunities for Engineering, manages a portfolio of top prospects, and serves as a leader within the Engineering team.

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 School of Engineering and how it relates to Vanderbilt as a whole. 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 programs in Engineering, 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.

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 Associate Dean of Development, Engineering 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 Associate Dean 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 Engineering team.

Lead a team of major gift officers. The Senior Director will lead, inspire and ensure success for their team members at the School of Engineering, in partnership and collaboration with the Associate Dean of Development, Engineering. This will include meeting annual fundraising targets, developing and implementing foundational understanding of development principles, and setting clear expectations.

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 three team members – 2 Associate Directors of Development and 1 Development Coordinator.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development, Engineering.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid role based in Nashville. The expectation is for this position to be on campus 1 day per week or more depending on business needs.

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 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

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.

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.

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.