What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy - Northwest position at Vanderbilt University?
The Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy (Northwest) will help build, coordinate, and execute Vanderbilt University’s fundraising strategy with major gift donors and prospects in the Northwestern United States, with an emphasis on Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Alaska. In addition, travel to smaller markets where strong concentrations of alumni are located is encouraged to maximize philanthropic support for the university.
This position will work in a highly collaborative fashion with institutional leaders and other Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team members to identify and execute fundraising strategies and oversee the development and execution of a business plan and prospect strategies for their own portfolio in the region.
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 Director of Development will work closely with others to help surface and develop the ideas, consistent with the institution’s strategic direction and often multidisciplinary in nature, that provide the greatest impact to the university’s students and faculty, as well as to the greatest good.
Implement and coordinate Regional Philanthropy’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University.
The Director will advance Regional Philanthropy by collaborating with DAR staff and university leaders—including the Chancellor, Provost, and Deans—to support university-wide objectives. Working across schools, colleges, and programs, the Director will identify significant fundraising opportunities aligned with Vanderbilt's academic, athletics, and research missions. This involves developing prospect strategies that leverage the relationships and involvement of key university leaders in major fundraising efforts.
Throughout all responsibilities, the Director will maintain a donor-centric approach, ensuring that philanthropic initiatives consistently reflect donor interests and priorities.
Secure major gifts.
The Director serves as a major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, stakeholders, and prospects that can make gifts of $100,000 or greater.
Increase the overall fundraising success for Vanderbilt.
The Director is charged with securing gifts from alumni, donors and friends in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Alaska. Their work will support the universities’ larger regional vision. This includes leading a comprehensive fundraising program that will achieve success in securing funds to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to -- endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital projects. The Director also works closely with the Executive Director for Regional Philanthropy in the goal setting process each fiscal year. The Director will collaborate with DAR staff and other development officers to advance Regional Philanthropy initiatives, support university-wide objectives, and maintain a donor-centric approach.
Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:
Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt’s responsibilities to the mission
Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals
Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major gifts
Enhance departmental performance standards by:
- Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department
- Meeting or exceeding department performance standards
- Fostering a spirit of cooperation
- Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
- Clearly communicating concerns and questions to team
- Conveying thoughts/ideas to the leadership team on improving departmental performance
Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:
Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with the team
- Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
- Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues
- Performing other duties as assigned
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
This position will report administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Regional Philanthropy.
Work Environment:
The Director is expected to reside in either Nashville, TN, or on the West Coast, with strong preference for candidates who live in either Seattle, Washington or Denver, Colorado.
This position will require routine travel within the assigned region. Also, it will require returning to Vanderbilt campus approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary
Experience and Skills:
Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Five or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting.
The Director must be a seasoned and polished fundraising professional who understands, and is able to articulate, the nature and importance of a major research university, and particularly the significant role of Vanderbilt’s academic community.
- Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger.
Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences.
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 management system.
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.
A working understanding of education and research that will help drive forward new interdisciplinary initiatives.
The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential.
Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
- Some evening and weekend work, as needed.
Salary : $100,000