What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Strategic Priorities, Athletics position at Vanderbilt University?
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Position Summary:
The Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Strategic Priorities (Senior Director) assists the Vanderbilt Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) department in leading and managing all aspects of the Athletics development programs. The Senior Director supervises a staff of development and alumni relations professionals, oversees a sizeable budget, and serves as a leader on the Athletics Administrative team.
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. DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, and family foundations to support key fundraising priorities. More information can be found here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
The Senior Director must be a seasoned and polished development professional who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major university, and in particular, the significant role of Athletics within this larger university community.
Assist in the design, implementation, and coordination of Athletics development and alumni relations priorities, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University. DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations to support key fundraising priorities for Athletics. The Senior Director is charged with assisting in the setting, tracking, and assessing progress towards Athletics fundraising goals in coordination with other DAR teams.
Increase the overall success for Athletics. The Senior Director is charged with assisting the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Executive Director in the oversight of the comprehensive athletics programs that will drive larger success in securing funds and improving engagement to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to – renovated and expanded facilities, priority seating and parking programs, endowed and annually funded scholarships, endowment for coaching positions, and support for specific sports programs. The Senior Director also works closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Executive Director in the goal setting process each fiscal year to set targets that are both ambitious and achievable.
Serve as liaison to teams from across the university. To maximize the success of Athletics’ effort, the Senior Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR, Athletics, and Communications to be successful and support university-wide priorities and objectives.
This position will collaborate with other schools, colleges, and programs as well as develop prospect strategies for the effective utilization of the Vice Chancellor for University Affairs and Athletics, Athletics Director, coaches, other senior leadership, and key volunteers as needed around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the mission of Athletics.
The Senior Director will also serve as a member of the administrative staff team for the Vice Chancellor for University Affairs and Athletics, Athletics Director to ensure development operations, goals, and planning are integrated with the strategic priorities for Athletics.
Manage Strategic Priorities:
Athletics staffing and organizational effectiveness. Will be involved in hiring, training, managing, mentoring, and assessing the performance of the Athletics development and alumni relations team.
Lead planning, development, and execution of athletics priorities.
Translate leadership vision into actionable plans with milestones and success indicators.
Align people and resources to support project goals and maximize impact.
Manage project lifecycles to ensure progress, accountability, and strategic alignment.
Identify risks and insights and present decision-ready recommendations.
Demonstrate impact and ROI through clear metrics and reporting.
Identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency, communication, and collaboration.
Work Environment:
This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area and will be required to be in the office every day, Monday through Friday. Routine travel, nights, and weekends will be required.
Supervisory Relationships:
The Senior Director will manage a team of 5 and have 3 direct reports including:
- Director of Strategic Priorities
- Associate Director of Special Events and Donor Relations
- Associate Director of Alumni Engagement
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Executive Director.
Education and Certifications:
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
A master’s degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
10 years of development experience, or the equivalent, is required
Seven or more years of development experience preferred
Experience in a higher education setting, with preference given to candidates who possess a working knowledge of athletics fundraising at a Division I level
Experience leading a team of development professionals, including annual goal setting, training new employees, and motivating to achieve stretch goals
Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University
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 CRM and ticket management systems
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
The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential
Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies
Routine overnight travel is required
Evening and weekend work is required