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Vanderbilt University

Assistant Director of Development, Law

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247

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Overview The Assistant Director of Development is part of the Department of Alumni Relations (DAR) Development Team at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for gift fundraising, alumni engagement, and annual giving programs to drive greater levels of engagement and support. The Assistant Director will solicit gifts of $25,000 and larger for Vanderbilt University and will support the fundraising operation of Vanderbilt University Law School, reporting to the Senior Director of Development. The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing resources to achieve its mission and goals.

Responsibilities

Actively cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts by conducting 100+ visits (electronically or in-person as deemed appropriate) annually with prospects capable of making annual gifts and pledges of $25,000+

Effectively communicate results of prospect visits to appropriate personnel, such as other development staff, with emphasis on major donor prospect identification

Qualify 4-8 major donor prospects each year

Use data to identify prospects for annual gifts and larger

Support retention and increased giving of current leadership donors

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt, the Law School, its activities and programs, and responsibilities to the mission

Attain an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in the Law School

Cultivate relationships with DAR staff, Deans and administrators, and colleagues within the Law School and Vanderbilt University, and external constituencies such as alumni, parents, and friends of the University

Collaborate with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in giving

Establish a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration with major gifts officers, operations/advancement services, school leadership, reunion teams, and the DAR leadership team

Enhance departmental performance standards by being a team player, maintaining reliability, meeting or exceeding standards, and fostering a spirit of cooperation

Contribute to departmental efficiency by understanding and communicating policies and procedures, and by seeking guidance when needed

Solicit guidance from supervisors and co-workers when uncertainty arises, and convey ideas to leadership on improving performance

Perform other duties as assigned

Approach each situation with a professional attitude, exercise good judgment, maintain composure, and respect donor and colleague confidentiality

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Fundraising goals (individual and team)

Number of visits

Number of gifts closed

Alumni, parent, and corporate giving

Others TBD

Work Environment This position will be hybrid located in the Nashville area. The expectation is 1 day in the office per week or more depending on business needs.

Supervisory Relationships This position does not have supervisory responsibility; it reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Development.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary

Experience and Skills

Two years of development or relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary

Two or more years of experience in development or alumni relations preferred, with direct donor contact experience

Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $25,000 and larger

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees

Ability to handle confidential information with good judgment

Proficiency with current computer technology (Windows, Excel, Word) and Vanderbilt’s donor management system

Experience with trip planning, domestic travel, and scheduling discovery appointments with donors or prospects

Ability to perform in an intellectually rigorous academic environment and apply sound judgment in all situations

Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail

Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities

Ability to articulate Vanderbilt University needs, interests, and accomplishments to a wide range of audiences

Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Routine overnight travel is required

Some evening and weekend work, as needed

Driving is considered an essential job function; motor vehicle registration (MVR) checks are routinely conducted

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

Job Details

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other

Industries: Higher Education

Locations and Related Roles Note: This description references related roles and opportunities in Nashville, TN and surrounding areas as context.

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