The Senior Director of Principal Gifts, Family Philanthropy (Senior Director) will help build and support Vanderbilt University’s relationship-building efforts with its highest-level parent and family donors and prospective donors with the objective of increasing their engagement with and philanthropic support of the University in the near and long-term.
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 family philanthropy fundraising strategies and oversee the development and execution of a business plan and prospect strategies for their own portfolio.
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.
When applying for this position, please include a resume and a cover letter.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Align the philanthropic passions of donors with the university’s mission and aspirations.
- Help provide strategic direction and input to others on the DAR team regarding complex gifts.
- This role is multi-faceted and requires adaptability. At times, this position will work directly with high level prospects. Other times, play a behind-the-scenes role in support of others.
- Responsible for creating, articulating, and securing support for a broad range of institutional priorities and family philanthropy.
- Work diligently to understand, embrace, and develop DAR’s unique messaging to proliferate the university’s value proposition.
- Work cooperatively, collegially, professionally, and respectfully with DAR and university colleagues to develop and foster strong working relationships.
- Evening work and travel is required.
Secure major and principal gifts
- The Senior Director serves as a principal gift officer for family philanthropy – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of approximately 30+ parent and family prospects.
- Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts are all part of the Senior Director’s portfolio.
- Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification, cultivation, and solicitation, and plan business travel accordingly.
- Help develop an annual business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year. Maintain and update this plan on a regular basis.
- Secure $5M+ annually in philanthropic gifts
Increase the overall fundraising success for family philanthropy
- The Senior Director is charged with assisting the comprehensive fundraising program that will drive larger 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.
- Help develop solicitation strategies for potential principal gift donors; make direct solicitations; staff deans, faculty, and volunteers as needed.
Serve as liaison to other development teams
- The Senior Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR, Chancellor and Provost offices staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives.
- Collaboration with other schools, colleges, and programs around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the academic and research mission of Vanderbilt.
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.
- Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major and principal gifts.
- Work closely with other development officers, supplying strategic direction and sharing knowledge, when needed.
- Become an expert in Vanderbilt parent giving and engagement opportunities, especially the Parents Leadership Committee and Parents Campaign Cabinet.
Enhance departmental performance standards by:
- Maintaining a level of reliability that helps stability in the department
- Fostering a spirit of cooperation
- Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
- Conveying thoughts/ideas on improving team performance
Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:
- Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results
- 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 has no direct supervisor responsibilities. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Development, Family Philanthropy.
Qualifications
The Senior Director must be a professional and polished fundraising officer who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university. Leading candidates should have:
- A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and ability to carry out the essential functions of the job.
- 8 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required.
- Routine overnight travel is required.
- Some evening and weekend work, as needed.
- Prefer 8 years of significant fundraising experience closing principal gifts within a complex, higher education organization
- Successful track record of closing seven figure gifts
- Expertise working with highest-level giving constituents
- 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
- A proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fundraising from individuals
- Good written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development
- Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions and driving forward priorities
- 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
- 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
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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
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