Director of Foundation Relations

The Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for fundraising efforts around foundations that align with Vanderbilt’s mission.This position has a primary focus on creating, expanding and directing relationships with foundations that have the capacity to give/award support.

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 find more information at www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

The successful candidate will be intellectual and socially curious, possessing extraordinary communication and emotional intelligence. The director will have the political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex academic community, and the desire and ability to build bridges and strong working relationships with all members of the operation. 

The director will:

• Design, implement, and lead relationship-driven fundraising initiatives aimed at securing support from foundations whose missions and funding priorities align with Vanderbilt University’s strategic goals.
• Develop a deep understanding of Vanderbilt’s existing foundation relationships to effectively leverage, strengthen, and expand these partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate new foundation prospects, integrating them into Vanderbilt’s fundraising portfolio. Lead the submission of funding solicitations, where appropriate, and collaborate closely with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) on select Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Work collaboratively with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), OVPR, and other internal stakeholders to advance foundations through the full lifecycle of engagement—including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—by crafting and executing targeted solicitation strategies and ensuring the timely submission of compelling proposals.
• Facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations by assembling strategic teams of DAR and OVPR colleagues, faculty, and academic leadership to pursue foundation funding opportunities that span departments and disciplines.
• Advise Vanderbilt faculty and staff on funding and partnership opportunities. Visit campus faculty and programming, be curious, and offer strategic guidance on development initiatives while staying informed about university-wide priorities and interdisciplinary programs of greatest relevance to these funders.
• Track and manage short- and long-term opportunities with foundations, utilizing Vanderbilts CRM.
• Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations.

Work Environment:

There is a preference that this position be located in the Nashville, TN area. However, open to looking at remote work employees. 

If located in the Nashville area, this position would by hybrid with an expectation of being in the office one day per week or more, depending on business needs.

If located remote, this position would be required to travel to Nashville quarterly or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Advance/graduate degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant development or sales experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.

• At least two years of experience in executing sales contracts or writing RFPs is preferred. 

• Exceptional persuasive writing and verbal communication skills are required. Superior ability to creatively articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development.
• Experience in collaborative project management, independently setting and reaching goals, gathering and organizing information and an ability to balance multiple priorities are required. 
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, diplomacy and tact in all work efforts.
• Ability to independently track and meet deadlines.
• Be comfortable working in an environment that emphasizes quantitative performance goals and metrics, as well as requires adaptability to changing circumstances and unique opportunities as they occur. 
• Possess creative skills that facilitate success in an environment where critical thinking and teamwork are required. 
• Ability to travel 1-3 days per month.

• Current computer technology fluency in Windows, Excel, and Word.

• Salesforce knowledge preferred.

• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.