Director of Development, Family Philanthropy na Vanderbilt University

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Vanderbilt University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, major gift officer to serve as the Director of Development, Family Philanthropy.

This position will serve as a strategic partner responsible for managing and planning development activities of parent’s engagement, prospects, and philanthropy.

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.  You can find more information at www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

The successful candidate will be intellectual and socially curious, possessing extraordinary communication and emotional intelligence. The director will have the political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex academic community, and the desire and ability to build bridges and strong working relationships with all members of the operation. 

The director will:

• Identify, cultivate and solicit parents for gifts of $100k - $1M+; develop solicitation strategies for parents that are potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed. 
• Manage a portfolio of up to 85 prospects and donors. 
• Act as a discovery officer for potential parent prospects. 
• Regular travel and occasional evening/weekend work is required. 
• Complete at least 100 face-to-face prospect visits each fiscal year. 
• Support the Senior Director in strengthening parent’s major gift pipeline.
• Represent the Senior Director, DAR and Faculty/Staff as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director and other development officers in overlapping territories. 

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about DAR’s responsibilities to the mission
• Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in supporting all schools/units.

Cultivate relationships with DAR staff, administrators, and Vanderbilt University as a whole.  In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies, such as parents of the University by:

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices.
• Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration.  This includes working with major gifts officers, operations/advancement services, department leadership, reunion teams, and the DAR leadership team.

Enhance departmental performance standards by:

• Performing as a team player.
• Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department.
• Meeting or exceeding department performance standards.
• Fostering a spirit of cooperation.

Contribute to departmental efficiency by:

• Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures.
• Clearly communicating concerns and questions to supervisor and staff.
• Soliciting guidance from supervisor and co-workers when uncertainty arises.
• Conveying thoughts to supervisor on improving departmental performance.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results.
• Maintaining composure and calm yet professional demeanor during challenging situations.
• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no supervisory responsibility.  This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Principal Gifts, Family Philanthropy.

Work Environment:

There is a preference that this position be located in the Nashville, TN area. However, open to looking at remote work employees. 

If located in the Nashville area, this position would by hybrid with an expectation of being in the office one day per week or more, depending on business needs.

If located remote, this position would be required to travel to Nashville quarterly or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Prefer five to seven years of relevant experience, with at least three years at a major research university or similar organization, with a demonstrated track record of closing six-figure gifts and meeting annual fundraising targets.
• 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.
• The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• 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. 
• Exhibit 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
• 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.

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