Director, Athletics Donor Relations at Vanderbilt University

The Director, Athletics Donor Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing Vanderbilt Athletics’ development efforts by leading donor recognition and engagement strategies. This position works in close collaboration with the central Donor Relations team and other units within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to oversee key programs for athletics donors, including strategic acknowledgments, recognition initiatives such as the McGugin Society, tailored donor communications, and collaborative engagement efforts with top supporters. Through this work, the Director enhances the donor experience and fosters long-term philanthropic relationships.

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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead stewardship efforts for the National Commodore Club and McGugin Society by implementing strategic, personalized initiatives that meaningfully recognize and engage donors.

• Serve as the primary liaison for McGugin Society members, managing event communications, premium ticketing, and parking, while providing concierge-level service to top supporters.

• Oversee athletics facility naming opportunities, including inventory management, donor communication, and execution—serving as the point of contact for qualifying donors.

• Direct the gift acknowledgment process in partnership with the central DAR stewardship team to ensure all donors receive timely, accurate, and meaningful recognition.

• Manage donor gifts, overseeing procurement and strategic distribution to enhance the donor experience and underscore the impact of their philanthropy.

• Maintain and optimize the McGugin Society tracking system to ensure tailored stewardship and sustained engagement of major gift donors.

• Monitor donor pledge schedules and coordinate with development officers to ensure timely and complete fulfillment.

• Collaborate with the athletics events team to deliver high-impact donor experiences aligned with stewardship goals and the Vanderbilt Athletics brand.

• Partner with the athletics communications team to produce donor feature stories that spotlight exceptional examples of philanthropy.

• Ensure proper stewardship of endowed scholarships by working with the financial aid office to assign student-athlete recipients and deliver timely impact reporting to donors.

• Work closely with athletics development officers to create personalized stewardship plans and unique engagement opportunities for high-level donors.

• Explore and implement innovative approaches to donor stewardship and engagement, leveraging industry best practices and insights from peer institutions.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Athletics Development.

Work Environment: 

This role is required to be on campus full-time.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• 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

• Fundraising experience within higher education preferred

• Experience with trip planning, domestic travel, and scheduling “discovery” appointments with individuals (i.e., donors, prospects, clients, customers that applicant may have never met before).

• Value of the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Routine overnight travel is necessary

• Evening and weekend work, as needed, including attending athletics events.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative 

• Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together. 

• Shares information.  Communicates proactively.  Transmits knowledge.  Asks for advice and considers it thoughtfully.

• Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers. 

• Expects and delivers excellence.  Is a creative problem solver.  Is proactive. Welcomes input on making things better. Places a high value on learning and getting better.

• Self-managing; self-motivated.  Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track.  Can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.

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