Associate Director of Strategic Priorities, Athletics

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The Associate Director, Strategic Priorities supports Vanderbilt Athletics’ annual giving and engagement efforts by managing the execution of targeted solicitation campaigns, digital outreach initiatives, and constituent communications for the National Commodore Club (NCC) and Black & Gold Club. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Priorities, this role is responsible for coordinating multi-channel fundraising campaigns, maintaining key digital platforms, and delivering data-informed outreach that strengthens donor relationships and drives philanthropic support.

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 

• Execute annual solicitation campaigns targeting athletics donors, alumni, parents, and friends in support of the National Commodore Club and Athletics priorities.

• Manage day-to-day planning and deployment of multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including email, direct mail, web, social, and digital content.

• Support Giving Day implementation through campaign setup, communications execution, timeline management, and performance tracking.

• Maintain and update the NCC website and related digital platforms, ensuring content is current, accurate, and aligned with Vanderbilt Athletics branding.

• Manage Athletics’ email marketing platform, including campaign builds, list segmentation, testing, deployment, and performance monitoring.

• Assist with content coordination for NCC and Black & Gold Club social media channels in partnership with Athletics Communications.

• Support fundraising and engagement efforts for Sport Excellence Funds through sport-specific appeals, targeted messaging, and campaign coordination.

• Assist with communications and outreach strategies tied to capital projects and priority initiatives, including Vandy United, and other athletics campaigns.

• Help manage communications schedules for the Black & Gold Club to ensure consistent and meaningful engagement with former student-athletes.

• Implement segmentation strategies based on donor behavior, giving history, and engagement data.

• Prepare reports and dashboards on campaign performance, participation, and donor activity for development leadership and sport programs.

• Monitor results and recommend tactical adjustments to improve participation, retention, response rates, and overall campaign effectiveness.

• Assist with online auctions and other digital fundraising initiatives as assigned.

• Support game day hospitality and Athletics Development events by assisting with communications, on-site support, and donor engagement.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Athletics Director/Executive Director of Strategic Priorities. 

This position will not have any direct reports.

Education and Certifications 

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary. 

Experience and Skills 

• Four years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required.

• Demonstrated experience executing multi-channel fundraising, marketing, or engagement campaigns (email, direct mail, web, social, and digital content).

• Experience with email marketing platforms, including audience segmentation, A/B testing, deployment, and performance monitoring.

• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to interpret campaign results and recommend improvements to increase response, participation, and retention.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines, coordinate stakeholders, and execute accurately under deadline.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to alumni, parents, donors, and other constituents.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong quality control practices for donor-facing communications and digital content.

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including DAR colleagues, Athletics Communications/Marketing, ticketing, and sport program partners.

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor CRM and related systems.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information and donor data.

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor CRM (Salesforce VandyQuest) and related systems.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities.

• Routine overnight travel is required

• Evening and weekend work is required