Assistant Director, Regional Engagement

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The Assistant Director for Regional Engagementis responsible for the management of chapter/regional volunteers in support of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association chapter program. The Assistant Director will be responsible for volunteer discovery and mobilization ensuring proactive communication with volunteers including onboarding management and stewardship.

The Assistant Director also plays a critical role in the planning and executing of local events and activities. Events range from signature series to regional-specialties and are critical pathways for the engagement of alumni parents students and friends of the university. The Assistant Director will carry a portfolio of established and emerging chapters/regional areas and will be responsible for ensuring their portfolio adheres to the guidelines and expectations of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association chapter program.

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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Identify recruit train motivate guide and steward chapter-based volunteer leadership; facilitate volunteer pipeline development and succession. Work with volunteers to identify needs administer solutions and provide tools/resources.

• Develop and implement regional programming within a given portfolio of chapters with the goal of engaging alumni parents students and friends of the university.

• Establish clear expectations and supportive tools amongst chapter volunteers for constituent engagement donor participation volunteer accountability and strategic planning

• In identifying new volunteers the Assistant Director is encouraged to meet with prospective volunteers and should be comfortable both in one to one small group or large group settings

• Track and maintain excellent records on engagement in the Vanderbilt CRM

• Collaborates with relevant DAR and university partners on additional cultivation and referrals of interested volunteers or event attendees including but not limited to regional partners Affinity partners graduate and professional schools

• Coordinate with DAR colleagues and leverage existing regional programming to provide ways to engage and cultivate relationships with managed prospects as hosts and speakers. Create and execute targeted regional programs which engage key constituents as featured speakers and/or attendees.

• In partnership with the Anchor Events team and local volunteers create and manage annual chapter programming calendars including signature series and regional specialties. Signature events may include Networking Night Commodores in the Community Welcome to the City Commodore Launches among others.

• Work closely with Anchor Events team to develop event promotions and communications.

  • Work may be required during evening hours and weekends as role demands. Travel is required.

  • Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid drivers 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.

  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Regional Networks.

Work Environment:

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

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree or the equivalent is necessary

Experience and Skills:

• One year of relevant experience or the equivalent is preferred
• Experience in Volunteer Management preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to speak to groups of varying sizes
• Ability to work independently take initiative manage multiple projects simultaneously meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities are essential
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking
• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni parents friends and employees
• Ability to use current computer technology such as Microsoft Office suite CRM database; comfort with learning new tools and technologies to improve or enhance the workstream and outputs
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity diversity and inclusion

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.
• Enjoys meeting new people recruiting new volunteers to the organization and maintaining positive working relationships with continuing volunteers.
• Expects and delivers proactive and focused on creative problem input to making things a high value on learning and improving.
• Is motivated. Manages time activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.