Executive Director of Development, West Palm Beach

Vanderbilt University

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Development, Vanderbilt West Palm Beach will serve as Vanderbilt University's senior development leader for the West Palm Beach campus, overseeing fundraising efforts for the academic enterprise. This is an exceptional opportunity for a high-performing fundraiser and manager to build and lead a dynamic team and drive transformational impact for Vanderbilt's newest academic endeavors in business, engineering, and technology in South Florida. The successful candidate will be intellectual and socially curious, possessing extraordinary communication and emotional intelligence. The executive director will have political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex academic community, and the desire and ability to build bridges and strong working relationships with all members of the operation, while being deeply embedded in South Florida philanthropic community. They will be a collaborative and innovative leader with a comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions and substantial strategic planning experience; personal success securing major and principal gifts from individual donors, foundations, and corporations; proven ability to lead and motivate development teams; and the demonstrated ability to engage both internal and external stakeholders across the dynamic South Florida landscape. They will take a relationship-based approach to their work while understanding the unique culture and opportunities present in West Palm Beach's business and philanthropic ecosystems. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and coordinate the overall strategic vision for development and community engagement at the West Palm Beach campus, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University. 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 University's teaching and research programs. About Vanderbilt West Palm Beach: Vanderbilt West Palm Beach is a bold expansion of Vanderbilt’s academic and research enterprise, designed to extend the university’s impact into one of the nation’s fastest growing and most dynamic regions. Anchored in business and technology, the campus features a significant presence from the Owen Graduate School of Management and the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, among other schools, advancing innovative graduate education, interdisciplinary research, and strategic industry partnerships at the intersection of management, engineering, and innovation. Positioned within South Florida’s vibrant philanthropic, business, and civic communities, Vanderbilt West Palm Beach serves as a hub for collaboration, thought leadership, and transformative investment in higher education — strengthening Vanderbilt’s national footprint while contributing to regional economic and technological growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
10 years of relevant development experience, or the equivalent, is necessary. Preference will be given for extensive experience in major gifts fundraising within higher education, arts organizations, or innovation-focused institutions.
At least 3 years of experience in leadership roles managing academic or development staff, with demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams.
Deep knowledge and established relationships within the West Palm Beach philanthropic, corporate, innovation, and/or arts communities strongly preferred.
Experience working in or with academic institutions focused on innovation, technology, design, or the arts, with understanding of the unique funding landscape and donor motivations in these sectors.
Demonstrated ability to lead and execute effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments, bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to initiatives in early or transitional phases.
Exceptional persuasive writing and verbal communication skills are required, as is superior ability to creatively articulate the vision and impact of innovative academic programs to diverse audiences.
Ability to quickly grasp and foster synergies between Vanderbilt's academic excellence and the dynamic innovation and creative ecosystems of South Florida.
Comfort and confidence building relationships with highly successful and philanthropic individuals, including those capable of making 7or 8-figure+ gifts, connectors, and influencers.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact in all work efforts, particularly when representing Vanderbilt University in high-profile South Florida settings.
Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes quantitative performance goals and metrics, as well as requires adaptability to quickly and ever-changing landscape of innovation and design education.
Possess creative skills that facilitate success in an environment where critical thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem-solving are required.
Experience in strategic planning and program development, independently setting and reaching ambitious goals, and an ability to balance multiple priorities.
Proven capacity to inspire, motivate, and align senior leaders and fundraising teams around ambitious institutional goals.
Project a high degree of energy and imagination and have an outstanding work ethic and personal enthusiasm for the mission of Vanderbilt University, as well as a genuine commitment to the advancement of innovation, design, and creative education.
Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information and in managing sensitive relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders.
Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt's donor management system.
Superb written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal development, donor presentations, and public speaking.
Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new initiatives, and driving forward priorities in complex academic environments.
A working understanding of major gift fundraising principles with specific experience in innovation, technology, and/or arts philanthropy preferred.
The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment while managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.
Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies including tech leaders, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of innovation and creative education.
Cultural competency and sensitivity to work effectively within West Palm Beach's diverse communities and understanding of the unique values and priorities of South Florida philanthropists and corporate leaders.
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.
Regular presence on the West Palm Beach campus is required, with flexibility for evening and weekend events as needed for donor cultivation and community engagement.
Some travel is required, including regular visits to Nashville and occasional travel throughout the Southeast and Northeast for development activities.

Nice To Haves

Advanced/graduate degree is preferred, particularly in fields related to arts, design, innovation, or business.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive fundraising strategy for the West Palm Beach campus, establishing and executing development plans for the full portfolio of academic offerings.
Provide strategic oversight and management support to development officers responsible for fundraising activities, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and accountability structures needed to meet ambitious fundraising goals and priorities.
Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects within South Florida's philanthropic communities, developing targeted strategies for donors capable of transformational gifts to support strategic initiatives.
Serve as Vanderbilt University's primary advancement representative in West Palm Beach, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including alumni, donors, corporate partners, foundation leaders, and community influencers.
Develop and implement community engagement strategies that position Vanderbilt's West Palm Beach campus as an integral part of South Florida's educational, cultural, and innovation landscape, supervising the associate director of community engagement.
Collaborate closely with academic leadership, to understand programmatic priorities, funding needs, and opportunities for donor engagement that advance the West Palm Beach campus’ academic and research missions.
Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to development staff, fostering professional development and ensuring best practices in donor relationship management and fundraising operations.
Partner with corporate and foundation prospects whose missions align with the campus on innovation, design, technology, and creative expression, developing compelling proposals and partnership opportunities.
Ensure seamless integration between West Palm Beach campus development activities and broader Vanderbilt University advancement priorities, maintaining regular communication with DAR development officers and leadership based at other campuses.
Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.