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Vanderbilt University

Associate Director of Development, SOM and Basic Sciences

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States

Vanderbilt University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, major gift officer to serve as the Associate Director of Development, School of Medicine. Reporting to DAR’s Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine/Basic Sciences, this position will serve as a strategic partner responsible for managing and executing development plans for the School of Medicine. While the fundraising for this position will be mainly focused on the academic mission of the School of Medicine, there will also be additional support provided by this position for the School of Basic Sciences operations.

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 visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Work Environment: This is a hybrid role based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Identify, cultivate and solicit alumni and other constituents 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 85 major gift prospects and donors.

  • Make a minimum of 100 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.

  • Annual goals are dependent on portfolio capacity and personal pipeline planning.

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

  • Support the Executive Director of Development in strengthening the major gift pipeline for School of Medicine.

  • Represent the Executive Director of Development and School of Medicine DAR Team as needed.

    Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

  • Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and the School of Medicine’s responsibilities to the mission.

  • Becoming an expert in School of Medicine and School of Basic Sciences initiatives, goals, projects, departments, etc.

Cultivate relationships with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) staff, faculty, Deans and administrators within the School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituents 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 Executive Director of Development, School of Medicine/Basic Sciences.

Qualifications

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

  • Four years of development or relevant experience, or the equivalent education and work experience, is required.

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

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

  • Routine overnight travel is required.

  • Some evening and weekend work, as needed.

  • 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.

  • The 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.

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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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.