Job Information
Vanderbilt University Director of Development, School of Engineering in Nashville, Tennessee
Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual for a Director of Development at the School of Engineering. In this role, you will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of approximately 65 major gifts prospects as well as cultivating and qualifying new prospects within the School of Engineering.
The Department of Development and Alumni Engagement (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.
If you are passionate about education, are a self-starter that is curious about people and their philanthropic passions and have a successful fundraising background (or transferable experience), we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity!
Duties and Responsibilities
Portfolio Management: Oversee and manage a diverse portfolio of approximately 65 major gifts prospects associated with Vanderbilt and the School of Engineering, ensuring effective relationship management, engagement, and individualized solicitation strategies.
Prospect Cultivation: Actively cultivate and qualify new major gifts prospects, identifying individuals with a strong affinity for Vanderbilt, the School of Engineering and its various programs, initiatives, and priorities.
Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key internal (DAR colleagues, faculty and staff) and external stakeholders (alumni, donors, and constituents) fostering a sense of community and support for the School of Engineering.
Solicitation Planning: Develop and execute solicitation plans for major gifts prospects, aligning strategies with the priorities and funding needs of the School of Engineering and its affiliated programs.
Collaboration: Collaborate with DAR colleagues, School of Engineering faculty and staff, and university administrators to coordinate efforts in support of fundraising goals, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to development within the college.
Data Management: Using Salesforce AffinaQuest software and Tableau, maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, gifts, and prospects in the university's fundraising database, ensuring data integrity and effective tracking of prospect movements.
Stewardship: With the partnership of our Office of Stewardship, implement effective stewardship practices for major donors, ensuring ongoing engagement, recognition, and appreciation for their support of the School of Engineering.
Event Participation: Attend and actively participate in relevant events, functions, and gatherings related to the School of Engineering, fostering personal connections, and furthering the development goals of the college.
Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and execution of strategic fundraising plans for the School of Engineering, aligning efforts with the overall advancement goals of Vanderbilt University.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development, School of Engineering.
Qualifications
The 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, and in particular, the significant role the School of Engineering plays within this larger academic community. Leading candidates should have:
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent work experience. An advanced degree is preferred.
Five or more (5+) years of development experience with a proven track record of successful major gift solicitations, preferably within a non-profit setting, or the equivalent work experience and education.
A valid driver's license. Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.
The ability to work some evenings and weekends, as needed.
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger.
A strong understanding of development strategies and best practices.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors.
A strong preference for residing in Nashville to facilitate close collaboration with local stakeholders and donors.
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.
The ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.
The 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
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.
The ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities.
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.
The ability to value the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and to commit to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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, affirmative action 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.
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