Assistant Director of Donor Engagement, Owen at Vanderbilt University

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The Assistant Director of Donor Engagement, Owen will take a leadership role in cultivating and enhancing donor relations activities, with a particular focus on steering the Owen Giving Society and stewarding first-time, young alumni donors, and additional key donor populations. This position is integral to expanding philanthropic support for Owen and strategically developing a robust pipeline for future major gifts. The Assistant Director will spearhead reporting and data analysis efforts, collaborating with development officers to create tailored donor engagement plans and impact reporting aimed at maximizing contributions through principal and major gifts, as well as the annual fund. 

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: 

Donor Engagement & Fundraising Support (65%)

• Lead the Owen Giving Society (donors making gifts of $2,500+) by executing strategic outreach to donors, managing gift processing, deepening ongoing relationships, and ensuring timely updates on deliverables.

• Develop and implement comprehensive donor recognition strategies for Owen, including innovative projects in partnership with development officers and soliciting feedback from alumni on recognition preferences.

• Oversee special donor projects. (Examples: Owen building project, Venture Fund payment tracking, custom impact reporting and gifts).

• Design tailored donor engagement plans and impact reporting for high-level contributors in collaboration with the broader Owen DAR team, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

• Facilitate the creation of compelling impact stories to provide a framework for personalized stewardship and reporting at scaled giving levels.

• Analyze donor data and the weekly gift report to segment and personally engage donors through tailored email outreach based on their behavior and engagement history, fostering recognition and stronger connections; initiate follow-up meetings for positive responses to further cultivate relationships.

• Collaboratively engage with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving to conceive and execute innovative strategies for maximizing donor and alumni involvement.

Data & Reporting (25%)

• Create and disseminate the weekly gift report, overseeing the acknowledgment letter process and infusing personal touches to strengthen donor connections.
• Lead the management of VandyQuest (Salesforce), DAR’s primary CRM system, including the fulfillment of reporting requests and the extraction of data insights.
• Compile and analyze information for the weekly Chancellor’s report to ensure accurate and timely updates.

• Execute ad hoc data analysis, reporting, and requests as necessary to meet dynamic needs.

Special Projects (10%)

• Assist with Alumni Engagement events, as needed, including Closing Bells, Reunion, Giving Day, etc.

Global Responsibilities

• Collaborate & Engage - Partner across Owen, Vanderbilt, Development and Alumni Relations, and professional school counterparts. 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Some evening and weekend events as needed.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports to Owen’s Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

Work Environment

Hybrid role based in Nashville – in the office approximately 1 day per week depending on business needs. 

Education and Certifications: A bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience required.
 

Experience and Skills:

• Proven professional experience preferably within a fundraising or higher education context.

  • Strong analytical mindset with a passion for examining data to uncover patterns, trends, and actionable insights that drive donor engagement strategies.

  • Ownership mentality with a proactive approach to anticipating needs and implementing solutions effectively.

  • Experience in planning and executing donor engagement events, programs, and initiatives that enhance philanthropy.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering strong working relationships with alumni, volunteers, and university partners.

  • High level of transparency and clarity in all communications, both oral and written, especially in donor interactions.

  • Demonstrates executive maturity, applying sound judgment while handling sensitive donor and student information with utmost confidentiality.

  • Capacity to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, goal-oriented team environment.

  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as core organizational principles, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive community.

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

• Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes; and 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 proactive and focused on creative problem solving. Welcomes input to making things better. Places a high value on learning and improving.
• Is motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Balances multiple, competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.
  
   

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