Associate Director of Reunion and Class Engagement

The Associate Director of Reunion and Class Engagement is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and management of volunteers for Vanderbilt’s undergraduate class-based programs. The effective use of volunteers to amplify and extend Vanderbilt’s reach is a critical component of the university’s strategy to expand donor participation at all levels to support unrestricted and current-use annual giving goals as well as the work of school and unit teams to solicit major and planned gifts. 

This class-based outreach is the cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s volunteer driven strategy of peer-to-peer outreach and includes the critically important undergraduate reunion effort. As a class manager, this position recruits, trains, cultivates, and stewards volunteers who execute peer-to-peer outreach on behalf of the university to increase engagement and fundraising among their classmates. This includes the critically important undergraduate reunion effort, but also class agent programs for other class years. This position focuses on a select cohort of undergraduate classes and works on a team with fellow Associate Directors to manage all undergraduate classes and provide a top-notch engagement experience for all who are involved. 

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/

About Vanderbilt University:

Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university’s students, faculty, staff and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the perks of Vanderbilt. VU is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt was recently ranked #1 in the Princeton Review among 382 top colleges and universities for “happiest students” - as well as #2 for “best quality of life” and “great financial aid,” #5 for “best run colleges” and “beautiful campus,” and #6 for both being in a “college city that students love” and having “great campus/city relations.”

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead volunteer recruitment for assigned classes for both class agent and reunion opportunities
• Oversee day-to-day volunteer management to facilitate peer-to-peer outreach to grow involvement and to make solicitations for a gift
• Work creatively to cultivate and steward volunteers in unique and personal ways to grow their engagement and commitment to the university
• Executes outreach directly to members of assigned classes to solicit gifts and match alumni to opportunities for more involvement with the university and their class community 
• Achieve a 100% participation rate in giving among volunteers, and work to provide a top-notch experience by gathering feedback and direction from volunteers on a regular basis 
• Manage reunion campaign efforts for assigned classes, spanning volunteer recruitment and outreach along with overall communications and event logistics as needed 
• Collaborate across DAR to maximize volunteer roles and peer-to-peer outreach in direct support of school/unit fundraising team objectives 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director for Reunion and Class Engagement. 

Work Environment: 

This is a hybrid role based in Nashville – in the office approximately 1 day per week depending on business needs

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• One or more years of experience is necessary; Prefer experience with higher education development
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a team environment
• Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking
• 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
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed; must be available annually during Reunion week and weekend (generally in October/November), except in extenuating circumstances.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Innovative and Solutions-Oriented Thinker
• Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes; and recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together.  
• Shares information; communicates proactively; transmits knowledge; asks for advice and considers it thoughtfully.
• Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers. 
• Expects and delivers excellence. Is proactive and focused on creative problem solving. Welcomes input to making things better. Places a high value on learning and improving.
• Is motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Balances multiple, competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.