Senior Director of Special Projects

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The Senior Director of Special Projects sits at the intersection of strategy execution and leadership during a period of meaningful growth and transformation for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and Vanderbilt University.

In this role you will work directly with senior leaders in DAR and across the university to tackle complex high-priority challenges that require thoughtful analysis creativity and disciplined execution. You will be trusted with initiatives that do not yet have clear paths forwardbringing structure momentum and clarity to work that spans teams functions and institutional priorities. Projects may include multi-campus initiatives division-wide strategic planning efforts operating model design transformation initiatives and other priorities identified by senior leadership.

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in ambiguity enjoys building from scratch and leads effectively through influence rather than formal authority. You will design frameworks streamline decision-making and elevate how work gets done across the divisionleaving a lasting mark on DARs effectiveness culture and ability to deliver results.

About the Work Unit:

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures the philanthropic and volunteer support required to advance Vanderbilt Universitys mission. DAR leads the identification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose goals align with Vanderbilts strategic priorities. DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni families donors and partners. You can find more information here: Functions and Expected Performance:

Strategic Initiative Leadership

• Lead planning development and execution of division-wide and institutionally significant projects.

• Translate leadership vision into actionable plans with milestones and success indicators.

• Align people and resources to support project goals and maximize impact.

• Manage project lifecycles to ensure progress accountability and strategic alignment.

  Executive & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as a central liaison among DAR leaders university partners and cross-functional teams.

• Identify risks and insights and present decision-ready recommendations.

• Conduct research and develop reports white papers and executive communications.

  Operational Excellence

• Develop templates dashboards and tracking tools to support transparent data-driven execution.

• Identify and mitigate risks; maintain timelines quality and consistency.

• Ensure adherence to institutional policies branding and strategic priorities.

• Demonstrate impact and ROI through clear metrics and reporting.

  Continuous Improvement & Change Leadership

• Identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency communication and collaboration across DAR.

• Promote best practices in project management and organizational effectiveness.

• Serve as a thought partner to the Chief of Staff on division-wide planning and prioritization.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility this position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance and Business Services. This position will work closely with the Vice Chancellor other members of DARs Leadership team and with leadership across the university.

Work Environment:

This position is based in the Nashville TN area and operates in a hybrid work environment with an expectation of being in the office up to four days per week depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree or the equivalent is required.

• Advance degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 810 years of experience in project management strategic planning or operational leadership or the equivalent is required.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional high-visibility projects.

• Exceptional written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex abstract and conceptual ideas into clear compelling visual narratives using PowerPoint.

• Expertise with project management tools and methodologies; PMP preferred.

• Experience with systems integration process optimization and operational capability building.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic fast-paced environment.

• Professionalism and confidence in engaging senior leadership.

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