Associate Director of Institutional Engagement

The Associate Director of Institutional Engagement, Foundation Relations (Associate Director) plays a pivotal role in advancing Vanderbilt University’s fundraising efforts by developing and executing highly customized engagement plans and/or deliverables for identified Foundations. This includes active management of Foundations, as well as development and execution of custom relationship plans. 

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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Lead the development, strategy, and implementation of tailored custom relationship plans for Foundations.

• Work collaboratively with other Vanderbilt teams, DAR unit leaders, faculty, and campus program leadership to secure timely reporting, as outlined in foundation gift agreements.

• Oversee the creation and execution of custom, comprehensive reporting for Foundationsto highlight the full impact they have on the university.

• Document all foundation gift agreement objectives in DAR’s CRM.

• Collaborate with Foundation Relations team memberstodeliver high-impact donor experiences and opportunities for engagement between Foundations and their beneficiaries/impact.

• Introduce new, innovative methods to build the pipeline for Foundations, to recognize gifts, and to inspire ongoing transformational gifts. 

• Manage foundation portal submissions and reporting.

• Serve as the primary Donor Relations liaison for Foundation meetings with leadership on regular basis.

• Work in consultation with development officers, to implement proactive, strategic stewardship opportunities for Foundations.

• Lead a process during new Foundation gift closes to consider what stewardship is included in the gift agreements.

• Advise development officers on tailored engagement. 

• Manage gifts given to Foundations, overseeing procurement and strategic distribution to enhance the donor experience and underscore the impact of their philanthropy.

• Partner with DAR Communications (DARComm) and Communications and Marketing (MarComm) to produce donor feature stories that spotlight exceptional examples of generosity.

• Provide insight and expertise on how to enhance the quality and effectiveness of stewardship and engagement programs by keeping informed of best practices, latest ideas, developments, and trends in donor relations.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Development, Foundation Relations.

Work Environment:

Hybrid role based in the Nashville TN area – in the office approximately 1 day per week or more depending on business needs. 

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Four years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is required

• Prefer experience within higher education and foundation relations

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Willingness and ability to connect and engage with constituents

• Confidentiality and discretion are a must

• Must have professional attitude, and exhibit considerable tact, persuasion, and judgement in interactions with internal and external constituents

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word

• Affinity for mastering new computer programs, such as our CRM

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with all levels, including high-level executives

• Ability to make independent decisions

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Excellent project management skills 

• Ability to handle crisis situations and perform well under pressure

• Position requires flexibility to work nights and weekends when needed