Director of Development Communications, Growth Initiatives bei Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University · Nashville, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Hybrid
- Senior
- Optionales Büro in Nashville
The new Director of Development Communications, Growth Initiatives position contributes strategic counsel, project management expertise and delivery of high-quality communication tools in support of major and principal giving priorities related to growth initiatives at Vanderbilt. The areas include growth initiatives such as the university’s expanded presence in New York City and West Palm Beach, a new College of Connected Computing and Vandy United, the university’s historic investment in Athletics. Additional areas include Vanderbilt’s strategic priorities such as scholarship support through Opportunity Vanderbilt and Residential Colleges.
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
Serve as the Development and Alumni Relations Communications (DARComm) lead for growth initiative projects, collaborating with DAR team members and MarComm and university colleagues as needed.
Develop, support, execute and evaluate strategic communications plans for projects.
Coordinate across DAR and the university to develop high-level collateral for external constituencies including impact stories, one-pagers, pitch decks, custom designed proposals on a donor-by-donor basis.
Cultivate a strong partnership with DAR's Transformative Philanthropy and Strategy Initiatives (TPSI) team, the campaign team, and other DAR leaders and colleagues responsible for major and principal giving solicitations and stewardship, serving as a key strategic communications advisor.
Collaborate with Communications and Marketing (MarComm) colleagues and other university communicators to align on strategy, messaging and collateral production for growth initiatives.
Serve as a growth initiatives content expert and internal champion for those efforts with the deans, vice chancellors and faculty—fostering ongoing cross-functional collaboration.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships
This position doesn’t have any direct reports.
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Development Communications.
Work Environment:
There is a preference for this position to be in the Nashville area. If so, it would be a hybrid work environment where the expectation is to be in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs.
We are open to considering fully remote. If working remote, the expectation would be coming to campus approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs.
Education and Certifications
- A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
- Advanced degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills
- 5 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
- 3-5 years of communications experience, preferably in higher education, is preferred.
Uphold a high level of confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information and matters.
- Excellent track record of strategic communication planning and execution. Highly-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills. Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment.
- Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communications skills, and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt to a wide range of audiences.
- Ability to work independently, assuming responsibility, prioritizing and carrying out duties with a minimum of supervision.
- Excellent proofreading skills with precise attention to detail.
- Experience in a university fundraising environment is highly desirable.
Company
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.
