Associate Director, Gift Planning

Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly skilled development professional to serve as Associate Director, Gift Planning. This position will play a key role in strengthening Vanderbilt's relationships with donors who have included the University in their estate plans and other planned-gift arrangements.

The Associate Director will have responsibility for a defined caseload of donors, with an emphasis on gifts that are in the stewardship phase. The associate director will also develop and implement personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors. Through regular and meaningful communication, donor visits, recognition, engagement opportunities, and collaboration with Gift Planning colleagues, the Associate Director will ensure that these donors experience a high level of care and connection to Vanderbilt.

The position will also have significant responsibility for the stewardship and engagement of members of Vanderbilt's planned-giving recognition society, the Sarratt Society. The Associate Director will plan and execute Sarratt Society events, recognition activities, and other engagement opportunities, while developing personalized stewardship strategies for high-level planned-gift donors.

Working within Gift Planning and in close partnership with colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), the Associate Director will serve as a key liaison to Donor Engagement and other DAR partners. The position will help ensure that stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with Vanderbilt's overall donor stewardship philosophy.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong development and donor engagement expertise, excellent communication and organizational skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to creating meaningful donor experiences. Knowledge of planned giving and experience in a complex higher education or development environment are preferred.

This position is an important contributor to Vanderbilt's philanthropic priorities and the continued growth and engagement of the University's planned-giving community.

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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Manage a Caseload of Planned-Gift Donors and Prospects

• Maintain a defined caseload of donors whose planned gifts are in the cultivation and stewardship phase. Develop relationships with these donors to ensure appropriate cultivation and stewardship occurs and to assess them for readiness for additional planned gifts or revaluation of current planned gifts. 
• Proactively identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with donors and deepen their connection to Vanderbilt and the impact of their philanthropy.
• Participate in prospect and donor strategy sessions with Gift Planning officers and other fundraisers to develop thoughtful stewardship approaches for existing planned-gift donors.
• Monitor the status and quality of donor relationships within the caseload.

Lead Planned-Gift Stewardship and Sarratt Society Engagement

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, implement a comprehensive stewardship strategy for planned-gift donors, with particular emphasis on donors whose gifts are in the stewardship phase.
• Lead the planning and execution of stewardship activities for the Sarratt Society, including donor communications, recognition, events, webinars, special experiences, and other engagement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain processes that support consistent, efficient, and personalized stewardship of planned-gift donors.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the value and experience of Sarratt Society membership and deepen members' connection to Vanderbilt.
• Develop benchmarks and measures to assess the effectiveness of Sarratt Society and planned-gift stewardship activities and recommend enhancements based on donor engagement, participation, feedback, and best practices.
• Coordinate planned-gift donor appreciation and stewardship materials, including thank-you communications, recognition gifts, mailings, impact reports, and other personalized touches.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the planned-gift donor experience and contribute to the ongoing development of Vanderbilt's stewardship practices.

Collaborate Across Development and Alumni Relations

• Serve as a key liaison between Gift Planning and Donor Engagement on planned-gift stewardship strategy, communications, recognition, and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with Gift Planning officers, Development Officers, Donor Engagement, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, and other DAR colleagues to create coordinated and meaningful stewardship experiences.
• Work collaboratively across DAR to develop individualized stewardship plans for high-level planned-gift donors.
• Serve as a resource to Gift Planning colleagues and other DAR partners regarding stewardship best practices and engagement opportunities for planned-gift donors.
• Foster a culture of collaboration within Gift Planning and across DAR and contribute positively to Vanderbilt's broader donor-centered culture.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Gift Planning.

Work Environment:

Preference for individual residing in Nashville but open to remote work. 

Education and Certifications:

• bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and Skills:

Required Qualifications

• 4 or more years of relevant development, donor relations, stewardship, alumni relations, communications, or related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, alumni, university leaders, colleagues, and other constituencies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and manage projects from concept through completion.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive donor information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to use current computer technology, including Microsoft Office applications and Vanderbilt's donor management system, VandyQuest.
• Willingness and ability to conduct personal donor outreach, including telephone calls, written correspondence, donor meetings, and follow-up.
• Willingness to travel for donor visits, events, meetings, and other activities, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education development or advancement.
• Experience working with planned gifts, planned-gift donors, or a planned-giving program.
• Experience managing a donor caseload or portfolio.
• Experience working with a donor recognition society or similar engagement program.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and engagement best practices.
• Experience working collaboratively across a complex organization with multiple constituencies and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with advancement databases and donor relationship management systems.

Core Competencies

Donor Focus
Builds meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and creates personalized experiences that demonstrate Vanderbilt's appreciation for their philanthropy.

Stewardship Expertise
Understands and applies effective stewardship practices to strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate impact, and encourage continued engagement with Vanderbilt.

Communication
Communicates clearly, compellingly, and appropriately with diverse audiences and develops donor-centered written materials that reflect Vanderbilt's voice and values.

Collaboration
Builds strong partnerships across Gift Planning, DAR, and the broader University to create coordinated and meaningful donor experiences.

Strategic Thinking
Recognizes opportunities to strengthen donor engagement and develops thoughtful stewardship strategies based on donor interests, institutional priorities, and the nature of each gift.

Project Management
Plans, prioritizes, and executes multiple projects and initiatives while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, and timeliness.

Judgment and Discretion
Exercises sound judgment in managing sensitive donor information, complex donor relationships, and high-touch stewardship opportunities.

Initiative and Accountability
Takes ownership of assigned programs, projects, and donor relationships; independently identifies opportunities and follows through on commitments.

Attention to Detail
Maintains a high level of accuracy and quality in donor communications, records, recognition, stewardship plans, and program execution.