What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Special Projects position at Vanderbilt University?
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The Senior Director of Special Projects sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, and leadership during a period of meaningful growth and transformation for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and Vanderbilt University.
In this role, you will work directly with senior leaders in DAR and across the university to tackle complex, high-priority challenges that require thoughtful analysis, creativity, and disciplined execution. You will be trusted with initiatives that do not yet have clear paths forward—bringing structure, momentum, and clarity to work that spans teams, functions, and institutional priorities. Projects may include multi-campus initiatives, division-wide strategic planning efforts, operating model design, transformation initiatives, and other priorities identified by senior leadership.
This position is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from scratch, and leads effectively through influence rather than formal authority. You will design frameworks, streamline decision-making, and elevate how work gets done across the division—leaving a lasting mark on DAR’s effectiveness, culture, and ability to deliver results.
About The Work Unit
Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures the philanthropic and volunteer support required to advance Vanderbilt University’s mission. DAR leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose goals align with Vanderbilt’s strategic priorities. DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni, families, donors, and partners. You can find more information here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions And Expected Performance
Strategic Initiative Leadership
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance and Business Services. This position will work closely with the Vice Chancellor, other members of DAR’s Leadership team, and with leadership across the university.
Work Environment
This position is based in the Nashville, TN area and operates in a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of being in the office up to four days per week, depending on business needs.
Education And Certifications
The Senior Director of Special Projects sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, and leadership during a period of meaningful growth and transformation for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and Vanderbilt University.
In this role, you will work directly with senior leaders in DAR and across the university to tackle complex, high-priority challenges that require thoughtful analysis, creativity, and disciplined execution. You will be trusted with initiatives that do not yet have clear paths forward—bringing structure, momentum, and clarity to work that spans teams, functions, and institutional priorities. Projects may include multi-campus initiatives, division-wide strategic planning efforts, operating model design, transformation initiatives, and other priorities identified by senior leadership.
This position is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from scratch, and leads effectively through influence rather than formal authority. You will design frameworks, streamline decision-making, and elevate how work gets done across the division—leaving a lasting mark on DAR’s effectiveness, culture, and ability to deliver results.
About The Work Unit
Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures the philanthropic and volunteer support required to advance Vanderbilt University’s mission. DAR leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose goals align with Vanderbilt’s strategic priorities. DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni, families, donors, and partners. You can find more information here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions And Expected Performance
Strategic Initiative Leadership
- Lead planning, development, and execution of division-wide and institutionally significant projects.
- Translate leadership vision into actionable plans with milestones and success indicators.
- Align people and resources to support project goals and maximize impact.
- Manage project lifecycles to ensure progress, accountability, and strategic alignment.
- Serve as a central liaison among DAR leaders, university partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Identify risks and insights and present decision-ready recommendations.
- Conduct research and develop reports, white papers, and executive communications.
- Develop templates, dashboards, and tracking tools to support transparent, data-driven execution.
- Identify and mitigate risks; maintain timelines, quality, and consistency.
- Ensure adherence to institutional policies, branding, and strategic priorities.
- Demonstrate impact and ROI through clear metrics and reporting.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency, communication, and collaboration across DAR.
- Promote best practices in project management and organizational effectiveness.
- Serve as a thought partner to the Chief of Staff on division-wide planning and prioritization.
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance and Business Services. This position will work closely with the Vice Chancellor, other members of DAR’s Leadership team, and with leadership across the university.
Work Environment
This position is based in the Nashville, TN area and operates in a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of being in the office up to four days per week, depending on business needs.
Education And Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.
- Advance degree is preferred.
- 8–10 years of experience in project management, strategic planning, or operational leadership, or the equivalent, is required.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional, high-visibility projects.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex, abstract, and conceptual ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives using PowerPoint.
- Expertise with project management tools and methodologies; PMP preferred.
- Experience with systems integration, process optimization, and operational capability building.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Professionalism and confidence in engaging senior leadership.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential.