Director of Development, Owen - Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, major gift officer to serve as the Director of Development for the Owen Graduate School of Management.







Reporting to the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, Owen Graduate School of Management, this position will serve as a strategic partner responsible for managing and executing development plans for alumni, parents, and friends of the Owen Graduate School of Management.



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. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/



Key Functions and Expected Performance:





+ Identify, cultivate, and solicit alumni, parents and friends of Owen Graduate School of Management for gifts of $100,000 and above; develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff deans, faculty, and volunteers as needed.



+ Manage a portfolio of up to 85 prospects and donors.



+ Regular monthly travel and occasional evening/weekend work is required.



+ Complete at least 100 face-to-face visits each fiscal year.



+ Support the Associate Dean of Development in strengthening the Owen major gift pipeline and development of Owen programs.



+ Represent the Associate Dean, DAR, and Faculty/Staff as needed.



+ Work collaboratively with the broader development team.





Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:





+ Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about DAR’s responsibilities to the mission



+ Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in supporting all schools/units.





Cultivate relationships with DAR staff, administrators, and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies, such as parents of the University by:





+ Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices.



+ Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration. This includes working with major gifts officers, the regional and discovery teams, operations/advancement services, department leadership, reunion teams, strategic initiatives, and the DAR leadership team.





Enhance departmental performance standards by:





+ Performing as a team player.



+ Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department.



+ Meeting or exceeding department performance standards.



+ Fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.





Contribute to departmental efficiency by:





+ Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures.



+ Clearly communicating concerns and questions to supervisor and staff.



+ Soliciting guidance from supervisor and co-workers when uncertainty arises.



+ Conveying thoughts to supervisor on improving departmental performance.



+ Performing other duties as assigned.





Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:





+ Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results.



+ Maintaining composure and calm yet professional demeanor during challenging situations.



+ Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues.





Supervisory Relationships:



This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, Owen Graduate School of Management.



Work environment: preference for candidate residing in Nashville but will consider remote work



Education and Certifications:





+ Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.





Experience and Skills:





+ Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.



+ Prefer three to five years of relevant experience, with at least three years at a major research university or similar organization, including direct solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals.



+ Prefer experience selecting, training, and managing development officers.



+ Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred.



+ 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.



+ The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.



+ 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.



+ Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education, research, and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations



+ Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.



+ A valid driver's license. Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.








Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.