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Senior Director of Development, Engineering

Vanderbilt University

Job Location:

Nashville, TN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 21 August 2026 (17 days ago)

Application Deadline: 18 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description
Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Development for the School of Engineering is a senior fundraising professional within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) who focuses on strategic identification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects capable of making transformational gifts to support the highest priorities of the School of Engineering. This role manages a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and plays a central role in achieving fundraising goals with a target fundraising range of $35 million annually.

The Senior Director serves as a liaison and primary fundraising partner for designated engineering-affiliated institutes and centers. The role carries a specific focus on identifying cultivating and soliciting support from foundations and corporate entities in support of strategic priorities for the School of Engineering.

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 engagement identification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt Universitys teaching and research programs. You can visit our website for more information: Functions and Expected Performance:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

Develop proactive strategies to identify qualify and engage prospects for philanthropic investment aligned with Engineerings priorities and university-wide objectives with a focus on $1M gifts.
Set strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives with particular emphasis on engaging and growing support from unaffiliated mission-based foundations corporate partners and individuals that align with strategic priorities.
Partner with the Associate Dean of Development in annual and multi-year fundraising planning and processes.
Assist in setting tracking and assessing progress toward fundraising goals.
Collaborate with cross-functional DAR teams including Transformational Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives Principal Gifts Annual and Leadership Annual Giving Corporate Relations Foundation Relations Gift Planning Research and Prospect Development Stewardship and Alumni Relations.
Participate in advisory councils and committees whose responsibilities include advancing philanthropy in support of strategic priorities.
Learn and articulate the Vanderbilt mission and the significance of Engineerings role within the larger academic community.

Liaison and Partnership Development

Serve as a liaison and primary fundraising partner for designated engineering-affiliated institutes and centers.
Develop and maintain relationships with faculty leadership of these institutes and centers to align fundraising strategies with their priorities and opportunities.
Facilitate engagement between prospects donors and institute/center leadership to advance collaborative fundraising initiatives.
Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding the missions accomplishments and funding needs of assigned institutes and centers for DAR and the University.

Program Growth and Institutional Collaboration

Support fundraising efforts tied to strategic initiatives projects centers programs and academic innovation.
Strengthen the identification pipeline by working closely with the Associate Dean of Development and Research and Prospect Development to surface new high-capacity prospects aligned with institutional priorities.
Collaborate with other schools colleges and university programs to coordinate engagement strategies for prospects without existing unit affiliation.
Develop targeted solicitation strategies for foundation and corporate prospects capable of supporting Engineerings strategic initiatives.
Identify foundation funding opportunities aligned with Engineering research innovation and educational priorities.

Major and Principal Gifts

Manage a portfolio of approximately 6575 high-capacity prospects capable of making gifts of $100000 or more.
Lead full donor lifecycle activities from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation solicitation and gift closure.
Conduct 1520 solicitations at the $100000 level each fiscal year.
Achieve progressive fundraising growth with a target range of $35 million annually.
Develop and maintain an annually updated business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year.
Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification cultivation and solicitation.
Participate in strategies for effective utilization of the Dean and senior leaders in advancing the most significant fundraising opportunities.

Professional Conduct

Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all donor and colleague interactions.
Demonstrate professionalism composure and discretion in complex situations.
Approach each situation with a professional attitude by exercising good judgment maintaining composure during challenging situations and respecting the need for confidentiality.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development Engineering.
This position does not have any direct reports and will work as an individual contributor.
Work Environment:
This is a hybrid role based in Nashville. The expectation is for this position to be on campus 1 day per week or more depending on business needs and scheduled travel.
Education and Certifications:
A bachelors degree or the equivalent isrequired.
MBA or related advanced degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
Eight years of relevant experience or the equivalent is required.
Five or more years of development experience preferred ideally within a higher education environment.
Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of $100000 or more and proven participation in major-level gifts.
Proven success managing the full donor lifecycle from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation solicitation and gift closure.
Proven ability to identify and engage new or previously unassigned prospects.
Demonstrated experience with foundation relations and corporate giving programs.
Strong strategic thinking and organizational skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including proposal and presentation development.
Ability to distill ideas and articulate the mission and priorities of a major research university particularly the significance of engineering within that context.
High level of discretion in handling confidential information.
Experience collaborating across teams and disciplines to drive results.
Familiarity with donor management systems and Microsoft Office tools.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in an agile growth-oriented and fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel overnight regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.
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.

Required Experience:

Exec

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About Company

Vanderbilt University

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and ... View more

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