Development Coordinator, Regional Philanthropy

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Position Summary:

The Development Coordinator, Regional Philanthropy will play a key role in supporting the Senior Director of Regional Philanthropy and the activities of the Regional Engagement office within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). Based in Nashville but will coordinate closely with our regional engagement teams.

Key responsibilities include providing operational and logistical support for the Senior Director of Regional Philanthropy and team, events, travel, donor events, meeting preparations, data reporting and other team activities.  The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize multiple projects with varying deadlines, and the capacity to exercise independent judgement. 

The Development Coordinator will be involved in various functions such as donor communications and outreach, internal communications, special projects, event planning, research, data input and upkeep, administrative support, meeting preparations, and donor reporting. Other duties include managing daily office operations, budgetary and personnel activities, coordinating donor communication, and responding to donor needs. 

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.  More information can be found here:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Budgetary Responsibilities

• Maintains an in-depth understanding of financial and procurement policies and procedures.

• Record and submit all checks/cash received.

• Research, resolve and justify any budget or expense questions or discrepancies.

• Compile data, monitor office budget and maintain current/accurate records.

Project Management 

• Assist the Senior Director and team with coordinating various internal and external event activities, including organizing meetings, managing vendor relationships, and coordinating event logistics and communication details. This role may also involve handling other logistical tasks as needed. 

• Coordinates research on prospects and donors to include profiles from our CRM VandyQuest (VQ); summarize findings; event and meeting briefings; bio updates; gift updates and alerts.

• Manage research projects and data analysis for the Senior Director and key partners.

• Create activity reports in database for communications received from and sent to constituents, as well as meetings that have taken place with constituents. 

• Assist with the donor gift acknowledgement process, including pulling bi-weekly gift reports, writing, editing, and merging acknowledgment and cover letters, and executing with the Dean’s offices and various leadership approvals.

• Assist with logistics and planning for Reunion Weekend and internal staff events.

• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion based on deadlines and organizational needs.

Coordinator Responsibilities 

• Provide high-level, direct support for the Senior Director including calendaring, expense reporting, procurement and budget management, and ad hoc projects.

• Organizes, attends, and actively participates in meetings regarding team functions, and prospect reviews; assists with scheduling for team-wide meetings and activities; maintains travel plans and calendars. 

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the fundraising database and other project and information management systems to effectively update and utilize data, department projects, and report progress toward goals. Manage the input and output of data within database while maintaining regular quality control and data integrity. This may include bio updates, contact reports, activity reports, volunteer coding, compiling and formatting class lists, generating data reports and dashboards, updating opportunities, and submitting cases for various needs. 

• Compose and maintain procedure and process documents of database and business processes for the team.

• Provides follow up from donor visits including sending mailings, packages, and donor or volunteer materials at the direction of the Senior Director as needed.

• Provide customer service to prospects, donors, faculty, and staff regularly.

• Manages office files and organization of team supplies.

• Collaborate with and support team members on special projects/initiatives. 

• Maintain an in-depth understanding, interpretation, and applicability of university policies and procedures.

• Review, analyze, and research trends and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.

• Prioritize multiple projects according to organizational demands.

• Establish regular communication flow with internal and external key stakeholders. 

• Perform tasks and other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area. The role will be hybrid with an expectation of being in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs. 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct reports.  This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Regional Philanthropy.

Education and Certifications:

• Associate’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 2-3 years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is preferred

• Prefer experience within development and/or higher education

• Excellent interpersonal management skills

• Confidentiality and discretion are a must

• Must have a professional attitude, and exhibit considerable tact, persuasion, and judgement in interactions with internal and external constituents

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Ability to make independent decisions

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Excellent project management skills with ability to multi-task

• Ability to perform well under pressure

• Some evening/weekend work as needed