Executive Director Business Innovation

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of Business Innovation oversees enterprise efforts to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and user experience across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). This position drives strategic process improvements, technology adoption, and innovation to support DAR’s fundraising and organizational objectives.

Serving as a vital partner to DAR leadership, this role converts business needs into streamlined processes and technology-driven solutions—encouraging a culture of ongoing improvement, innovation, and flexibility throughout the organization.

About the Work Unit:

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) advances Vanderbilt University’s mission by engaging alumni, donors, and partners to build meaningful relationships and secure philanthropic support. DAR plays a vital role in supporting the university’s strategic goals through fundraising, stewardship, and alumni engagement. The division operates in a dynamic, data-driven environment that requires strong collaboration, operational excellence, and ongoing innovation to achieve evolving institutional objectives.  You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Define and lead DAR’s approach to business process improvement, aligning initiatives with strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Partner with DAR leaders to assess current-state operations, identify inefficiencies, and design scalable, sustainable solutions.
• Develop and manage a prioritized portfolio of process improvement and innovation initiatives.
• Apply structured methodologies to drive measurable gains in efficiency, effectiveness, and service.

Technology Enablement & Digital Transformation

• Translate business needs into technology-enabled solutions that enhance operations and user experience.
• Partner with technology teams to ensure tools and systems support optimized business processes.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies—including AI, automation, and workflow tools—to improve performance and scalability.
• Pilot and scale innovative solutions that support DAR’s evolving operational needs.

Operational Effectiveness & Business Alignment

• Ensure alignment between business processes, systems, and DAR strategic priorities.
• Partner with leadership to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and effectiveness across functional areas.
• Support implementation of university and DAR growth initiatives by aligning operational processes with strategic objectives.

Change Management & Adoption

•  Lead change management strategies to ensure the successful adoption of new processes, systems, and tools.
• Collaborate with DAR Training and departmental leaders to design and deliver training programs and support resources.
• Create communication plans, feedback loops, and adoption metrics to maintain the long-term success of implemented changes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Integration

• Partner closely with DAR stakeholders, including Data Strategy, our CRM VandyQuest Operations (VQO), and the Project Management Office (PMO), to align process, technology, and data efforts. 
• Act as a liaison across teams to ensure coordinated execution of cross-functional initiatives. 
• Work with Data Strategy leadership to ensure process improvements are driven by data insights and consistent with data governance practices.

Innovation, Emerging Technology & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current on emerging trends in business innovation, automation, AI, and digital transformation.
• Identify and introduce leading practices from higher education and other industries.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement across DAR.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Handle sensitive donor and student information with the highest level of confidentiality.

Supervisory Relationships:

This role is an individual contributor position with considerable influence across the enterprise. 

This role reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Business Operations.

Work Environment: 

This is a hybrid role based in the Nashville, TN area.  The expectation is for this position to be on campus one day per week or more depending on business needs.

Education & Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required

Advanced degree is preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in business process improvement, operations, innovation, or related fields, preferably in a complex organization such as higher education.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives in matrixed environments.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies, change management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Experience implementing technology-enabled solutions, including automation and workflow tools.
• Ability to translate strategic goals into operational execution and measurable outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage sensitive, confidential information.

• Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new ideas, and driving forward priorities

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