Associate Director of Development, Foundation Relations
About The Position
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative fundraising professional to serve as Associate Director of Foundation Relations. This position will play a key role in securing philanthropic support from foundations, with an emphasis on gifts in the $100,000 to $500,000 band. The role will manage a portfolio of foundation partners and will work collaboratively to advance institutional priorities through competitive grant funding. Reporting to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, the Associate Director will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation prospects while collaborating closely with faculty, academic leadership, and DAR colleagues across the university. 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. DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, and family foundations to support key fundraising priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, is required.
- Four years of development, foundation relations, grant writing, or related experience required.
- Demonstrated success securing foundation support, ideally at the six-figure level.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including proposal writing and donor correspondence.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex projects.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Comfort working with databases, proposal tracking systems, and standard office technology.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including overnight travel.
- Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion.
- Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or research-intensive environments strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of private foundations with giving capacity primarily in the $100,000–$500,000 range.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit foundation prospects aligned with institutional priorities and faculty-led initiatives.
- Develop and execute tailored engagement and solicitation strategies, including letters of inquiry, full proposals, and renewal requests.
- Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned foundations, ensuring consistent, strategic communication and stewardship.
- Make direct solicitations and negotiate grant terms in partnership with the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, faculty, and leadership as appropriate.
- Partner closely with faculty, deans, and research staff to translate academic and programmatic priorities into compelling foundation proposals.
- Coordinate proposal development timelines, internal reviews, approvals, and submission processes.
- Collaborate with other DAR colleagues to ensure alignment with broader fundraising strategies and institutional messaging.
- Maintain regular contact with foundation partners through meetings, site visits, calls, and written communications.
- Travel to support relationship-building, proposal development, and stewardship activities, including foundation meetings and site visits.
- Develop deep knowledge of the university’s mission, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
- Become conversant in key academic, research, and programmatic initiatives most relevant to foundation funding opportunities.
- Represent the Foundation Relations team in meetings with internal and external stakeholders as needed.
- Assist with Chancellor initiatives that come into the Foundation Relations team as assigned.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with DAR colleagues, faculty, deans, administrators, and research development partners.
- Contribute to best practices in foundation fundraising, including prospect research, proposal strategy, and stewardship.
- Operate as a reliable, collaborative team member who meets or exceeds departmental performance standards.
- Uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment in all interactions with donors and colleagues.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
