The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for soliciting gifts of $100,000 and larger, for Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management (Owen) team within the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) department. This position is responsible for development solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate and solicit alumni, parents and friends for gifts of $100,000 and above, develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean, faculty, and volunteers as needed.

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major gift prospects and donors.

• Make a minimum of 75 face-to-face meetings each fiscal year.

• Travel regularly to ensure discovery and cultivation of prospect and donors in assigned territory is ongoing. Travel expectation is approximately 24 trips per year.

• Secure $750,000+ annually in dollars raised.

• Make 15-20 solicitations at the $100k+ level each fiscal year.

• Support the Associate Dean of Development and the Senior Director in strengthening the major gift pipeline for Owen.

• Support the activities of the Owen Alumni Board by recruiting potential members, managing relationships with Alumni Board members, and staffing events.

• Represent the Associate Dean of Development and Senior Director as needed.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and Owen’s responsibilities to the mission.

• Attaining an in-depth understanding of Owen development programs and their goals.

Cultivate relationships with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) staff, faculty, Deans and administrators within Owen, and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies such as alumni, parents, and friends of the University by:

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts

• Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration. This includes working with other major gifts officers, operations/advancement services, school 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 a calm demeanor during challenging situations

• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Development for Owen.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent work experience, is required.

• Four (4) years of development or relevant experience, or the equivalent education, is required.

• Three to five (3 - 5) years of experience in higher education development preferred, including direct donor solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals.

• Routine overnight travel is required.

• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.

• A valid driver's license is required. 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.

• Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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 apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential

• 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

• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed 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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