The Director of Development Communications contributes strategic counsel, project management expertise, and delivery of high-quality communication tools in support of major and principal giving priorities. 

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. DAR 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:

• Develop, support and execute, and evaluate strategic communications plans for Vanderbilt’s campaign and priority major and principal giving initiatives. 
• Work collaboratively with senior DAR leaders and colleagues responsible for major and principal giving solicitations and stewardship, serving as a strategic communications adviser.
• Cultivate a strong partnership with Vanderbilt’s Communications and Marketing (MarComm) team. 
• Serve as the development communications lead for specific schools/colleges/initiatives, building out communications plans and involving other team members as needed to meet deadlines. 
• Work closely with colleagues to maximize effectiveness of development communications, building templates and tools where necessary to ensure efficiency and consistency. 
• Develop and maintain project management best practices for design and digital projects (one-pagers, invitations, website updates, etc.) in partnership with Development Communications project management leads, serving as a champion for continuous improvement in this area. Partner with team members and MarComm to implement.
• Create content and materials (e.g. talking points, white papers, proposals) for the campaign and in support of major and principal giving efforts. 
• Identify and share story ideas around the impact of philanthropy—working with colleagues across DAR and MarComm—for coverage in print and digital publications as well as on websites and social channels. 
• Contribute to the DC&S team’s efforts to implement and evaluate a comprehensive, custom communications program in support of Vanderbilt’s development priorities and campaign.
• Evaluate, develop and recommend improvements to processes to maximize effectiveness of project management and execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Advanced degree is preferred. 
• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Five years of communications experience, preferably in higher education, is preferred.
• Excellent track record of strategic communication planning and execution. Highly-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills. Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment. 
• Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills, and the ability to articulate the needs, interests, and accomplishments of Vanderbilt to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to work independently, assuming responsibility, prioritizing and carrying out duties with a minimum of supervision.
• Excellent proofreading skills with precise attention to detail. 
• Experience in a university fundraising environment is highly desirable.
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Job Summary