The Director of Anchor Events will be responsible for driving strategy, development, planning and evaluation of key events, including hallmark series, originating in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving (AE/AG). These events vary is complexity and scope though the intent is to create a holistic experience for guests of AE/AG events. 

Events programming plays an integral role in the connection of our vibrant, diverse communities. The Director will work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment to strategize and execute on high-impact experiences that result in progressive engagement and philanthropic opportunities for alumni, parents, students, and friends of the global Vanderbilt network. 

Anchor Events range in format and size, including virtual and hybrid programs, on-campus events, and regional engagement series. The Director of Anchor Events collaborates with DAR and university partners to align strategies and execution tactics to drive impact for university priorities, including admissions yield, belonging and inclusion, community connection, lifelong learning, and constituent involvement through engagement and philanthropy. 

This position reports to the Executive Director for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as strategy partner with Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving teams to ensure cohesive and strategic event planning. Directly manages a team of up to three to execute on strategy, planning, and logistics support to relevant areas. These FTEs will be positioned in Anchor Events. 
• Delivers best-in-class event experiences (face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid) through a constituent-oriented mindset. Continuously evaluates events, utilizing data to inform decision-making and adopts technology to elevate experiences.
• Serves in a consultative capacity for other partner events – sharing best practices, developing guidelines and administrative support, where requested. 
• Engages in close partnership with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), Marketing and Communications, and other key university partners. Serves as representative in appropriate vendor relationship groups. 
• Provides budgetary oversight to team and partners, and trains those responsible on financial processes. 
• Works in close coordination with DAR partners to capture event data and develop relevant reporting.
• The Director of Anchor Events must be able to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently, all while ensuring that key goals and deadlines are met. The Director must be skilled in the use of all Office products, and well versed in digital tools (e.g., Zoom/Teams/YouTube). Additional experience with project management and client management tools are a must. Experience in Salesforce is a plus. 

In addition to being a strong program manager, the Director must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Further, the Director should have the ability to use sound judgement in all situations. Demonstrated experience in event management and customer service is required, and experience in higher education is preferred. The Director must be able to travel domestically and internationally, perform physical labor and work extended hours as needed

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree, or the equivalent, is required.
• Three or more years of experience, or the equivalent, is required. Experience with higher education development is preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, but also collaboratively, in a team environment.
• Goal-oriented and innovative thinking mindset is preferred.
• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees.
• The ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.
• The ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities.
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion