Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly skilled development professional to
serve as Associate Director, Gift Planning. This position will play a key role
in strengthening Vanderbilt's relationships with donors who have included the
University in their estate plans and other planned-gift arrangements.
The Associate Director will have responsibility for a defined caseload of
donors, with an emphasis on gifts that are in the stewardship phase. The
associate director will also develop and implement personalized cultivation and
stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors. Through regular and meaningful
communication, donor visits, recognition, engagement opportunities, and
collaboration with Gift Planning colleagues, the Associate Director will ensure
that these donors experience a high level of care and connection to Vanderbilt.
The position will also have significant responsibility for the stewardship and
engagement of members of Vanderbilt's planned-giving recognition society, the
Sarratt Society. The Associate Director will plan and execute Sarratt Society
events, recognition activities, and other engagement opportunities, while
developing personalized stewardship strategies for high-level planned-gift
donors.
Working within Gift Planning and in close partnership with colleagues across
Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), the Associate Director will serve as a
key liaison to Donor Engagement and other DAR partners. The position will help
ensure that stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors are coordinated,
consistent, and aligned with Vanderbilt's overall donor stewardship philosophy.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong development and donor engagement
expertise, excellent communication and organizational skills, sound judgment,
and a commitment to creating meaningful donor experiences. Knowledge of planned
giving and experience in a complex higher education or development environment
are preferred.
This position is an important contributor to Vanderbilt's philanthropic
priorities and the continued growth and engagement of the University's
planned-giving community.
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/ [https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/]
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Manage a Caseload of Planned-Gift Donors and Prospects
Maintain a defined caseload of donors whose planned gifts are in the
cultivation and stewardship phase. Develop relationships with these donors to
ensure appropriate cultivation and stewardship occurs and to assess them for
readiness for additional planned gifts or revaluation of current planned
gifts.
Proactively identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with donors
and deepen their connection to Vanderbilt and the impact of their
philanthropy.
Participate in prospect and donor strategy sessions with Gift Planning
officers and other fundraisers to develop thoughtful stewardship approaches
for existing planned-gift donors.
Monitor the status and quality of donor relationships within the caseload.
Lead Planned-Gift Stewardship and Sarratt Society Engagement
Under the direction of the Executive Director, implement a comprehensive
stewardship strategy for planned-gift donors, with particular emphasis on
donors whose gifts are in the stewardship phase.
Lead the planning and execution of stewardship activities for the Sarratt
Society, including donor communications, recognition, events, webinars,
special experiences, and other engagement opportunities.
Develop and maintain processes that support consistent, efficient, and
personalized stewardship of planned-gift donors.
Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the value and experience of
Sarratt Society membership and deepen members' connection to Vanderbilt.
Develop benchmarks and measures to assess the effectiveness of Sarratt
Society and planned-gift stewardship activities and recommend enhancements
based on donor engagement, participation, feedback, and best practices.
Coordinate planned-gift donor appreciation and stewardship materials,
including thank-you communications, recognition gifts, mailings, impact
reports, and other personalized touches.
Identify opportunities to enhance the planned-gift donor experience and
contribute to the ongoing development of Vanderbilt's stewardship practices.
Collaborate Across Development and Alumni Relations
Serve as a key liaison between Gift Planning and Donor Engagement on
planned-gift stewardship strategy, communications, recognition, and
engagement activities.
Collaborate with Gift Planning officers, Development Officers, Donor
Engagement, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major Gifts, and other DAR
colleagues to create coordinated and meaningful stewardship experiences.
Work collaboratively across DAR to develop individualized stewardship plans
for high-level planned-gift donors.
Serve as a resource to Gift Planning colleagues and other DAR partners
regarding stewardship best practices and engagement opportunities for
planned-gift donors.
Foster a culture of collaboration within Gift Planning and across DAR and
contribute positively to Vanderbilt's broader donor-centered culture.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive
Director of Gift Planning.
Work Environment:
Preference for individual residing in Nashville but open to remote work.
Education and Certifications:
bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent
combination of education and experience.
Experience and Skills:
Required Qualifications
4 or more years of relevant development, donor relations, stewardship, alumni
relations, communications, or related experience.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the
ability to engage effectively with donors, alumni, university leaders,
colleagues, and other constituencies.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to
manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and
manage projects from concept through completion.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive donor information with
discretion and professionalism.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to use current computer technology, including Microsoft Office
applications and Vanderbilt's donor management system, VandyQuest.
Willingness and ability to conduct personal donor outreach, including
telephone calls, written correspondence, donor meetings, and follow-up.
Willingness to travel for donor visits, events, meetings, and other
activities, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a
motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor
vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education development or advancement.
Experience working with planned gifts, planned-gift donors, or a
planned-giving program.
Experience managing a donor caseload or portfolio.
Experience working with a donor recognition society or similar engagement
program.
Knowledge of donor stewardship and engagement best practices.
Experience working collaboratively across a complex organization with
multiple constituencies and stakeholders.
Familiarity with advancement databases and donor relationship management
systems.
Core Competencies
Donor Focus
Builds meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and creates personalized
experiences that demonstrate Vanderbilt's appreciation for their philanthropy.
Stewardship Expertise
Understands and applies effective stewardship practices to strengthen donor
relationships, demonstrate impact, and encourage continued engagement with
Vanderbilt.
Communication
Communicates clearly, compellingly, and appropriately with diverse audiences and
develops donor-centered written materials that reflect Vanderbilt's voice and
values.
Collaboration
Builds strong partnerships across Gift Planning, DAR, and the broader University
to create coordinated and meaningful donor experiences.
Strategic Thinking
Recognizes opportunities to strengthen donor engagement and develops thoughtful
stewardship strategies based on donor interests, institutional priorities, and
the nature of each gift.
Project Management
Plans, prioritizes, and executes multiple projects and initiatives while
maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
Judgment and Discretion
Exercises sound judgment in managing sensitive donor information, complex donor
relationships, and high-touch stewardship opportunities.
Initiative and Accountability
Takes ownership of assigned programs, projects, and donor relationships;
independently identifies opportunities and follows through on commitments.
Attention to Detail
Maintains a high level of accuracy and quality in donor communications, records,
recognition, stewardship plans, and program execution.
At Vanderbilt University [http://www.vanderbilt.edu] , our work - regardless of
title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every
member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on
a daily basis. Located in Nashville [https://www.nashville.gov/], Tennessee, on
a 330+ acre campus and arboretum [https://www.vanderbilt.edu/trees/] dating back
to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large
Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan
area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in
learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create,
foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career.
We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage
you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.