Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy (Mid-Atlantic)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

14h

About The Position

The Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy (Mid-Atlantic Region) will help build, coordinate, and execute Vanderbilt University’s fundraising strategy with major gift donors and prospects in the Mid-Atlantic Region to maximize philanthropic support for the university. This position will work in a highly collaborative fashion with institutional leaders and other Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team members to identify and execute fundraising strategies and oversee the development and execution of a business plan and prospect strategies for their own portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic region (DC, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey). 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 the equivalent, is necessary
Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
The Director must be a seasoned and polished fundraising professional who understands, and is able to articulate, the nature and importance of a major research university, and particularly the significant role of Vanderbilt’s academic community.
Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 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 Vanderbilt’s donor management system.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development.
Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new ideas, and driving forward priorities.
A working understanding of education and research that will help drive forward new interdisciplinary initiatives.
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 are essential.
Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Implement and coordinate Regional Philanthropy’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University.
Advance Regional Philanthropy by collaborating with DAR staff and university leaders—including the Chancellor, Provost, and Deans—to support university-wide objectives.
Identify significant fundraising opportunities aligned with Vanderbilt's academic, athletics, and research missions.
Develop prospect strategies that leverage the relationships and involvement of key university leaders in major fundraising efforts.
Maintain a donor-centric approach, ensuring that philanthropic initiatives consistently reflect donor interests and priorities.
Serve as a major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, stakeholders, and prospects that can make gifts of $100,000 or greater.
Secure gifts from alumni, donors and friends in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Lead a comprehensive fundraising program that will achieve 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 projects.
Collaborate with DAR staff and other development officers to advance Regional Philanthropy initiatives, support university-wide objectives, and maintain a donor-centric approach.
Learn the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt’s responsibilities to the mission
Attain an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals
Collaborate with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts
Maintain a level of reliability that generates stability in the department
Meet or exceeding department performance standards
Fostering a spirit of cooperation
Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
Clearly communicating concerns and questions to team
Conveying thoughts/ideas to the leadership team on improving departmental performance
Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with the team
Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues
Performing other duties as assigned