Senior Director of Development, A&S
Senior Director of Development, A&S
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Job Description
The SeniorDirector of Development helps lead the major gift fundraising effortsand coordinates with the school-based alumni relations programs to drive greater levels of engagement and support. TheSenior Director identifies cultivates and solicits alumni friends and foundations for major gifts supporting Arts and Science (A&S).
The SeniorDirector also supports the Associate Dean in coordinating operational services and activities and helps to integrate the major gift fundraising efforts with the work of Alumni Relations Annual Giving and other DAR colleagues.
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 Universitys teaching and research programs. Learn more about our department at Functions and Expected Performance:
DARs university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni parents friends and foundations to support key fundraising priorities at A&S. The Senior Director of development is charged with assisting in the setting tracking and assessing progress towards A&Ss fundraising goals in coordination with other DAR teams (e.g. Annual Giving the Parents and Grandparents Campaign and Planned Giving).The SeniorDirector will assist in working with the Dean to effectively engage boards committee or councils whose membership includes alumni or other supporters and whose responsibilities in part or solely include increasing philanthropy.
Secure major gifts.
- The Senior Director of Development serves as a major gift officer for A&S driving forward the identification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of approximately 65-75 prospects that are capable of making gifts of $250000 or greater.
- Outright gifts pledges and planned gifts at this level are all part of the SeniorDirector of Developments portfolio.
- Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification cultivation and solicitation and plan business travel accordingly.
- Make 15-20 solicitations at the $250K level each fiscal year
- Develop annually a business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year. Maintain and update this plan on a regular basis.
- Secure $4-6M annually in philanthropic gifts.
Increase the overall fundraising success for A&S.
The Senior Director of Development is charged with assisting the comprehensive fundraising program that will drive larger success in securing funds to support key priorities which could include but are not limited to - endowed scholarships and chairs academic program support research funding and capital.
Develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff dean faculty and volunteers as needed.
Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:
- Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and A&Ss responsibilities to the mission
- Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in A&S.
- Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts.
- Support the Associate Dean in coordinating operations regarding major gifts fundraising alumni relations public relations and communications. This includes working with prospect research gift processing and accounting reporting and analysis office management budgeting and collaboration with the school/college and DAR colleagues as needed.
Enhance departmental performance standards by:
- Maintaining a level of reliability that helps stability in the department
- Fostering a spirit of cooperation
- Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
- Conveying thoughts/ideas to the Associate Dean of Development on improving team performance
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
- Performing other duties as assigned
Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development A&S.
This position has supervisory responsibility of Directors of Development on the A&S team and 1 other administrative professionals.
Work Environment
Strong preference for candidates residing in Nashville to facilitate close collaboration with local stakeholders and donors.
Education and Certifications:
- A bachelors degree or the equivalent is necessary.
- Advance degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
The Senior Director of Development must be a professional and polished fundraising officer who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university and in particular the significant role of A&S within this larger academic community. Leading candidates should have:
- 8 years of relevant experience or the equivalent is necessary.
- 5 or more years of development experience preferred with a background in a higher education setting
- Experience managing a high functioning team is preferred
- Experience managing development officers is preferred
- Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $250000 and larger
- 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
- 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 Vanderbilts donor management system
- A proven record of achievement in major gift fundraising from individuals
- Good written and oral communication skills specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development
- Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines facilitating solutions and driving forward priorities
- 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
- 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. 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
- Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity diversity and inclusion.
Required Experience:
Exec
Employment Type
Full-Time
