Associate Director, Development Research

The Associate Director of Development Research works with Research and Prospect Development (RPD), reports to the Director of Development Research, and is part of a comprehensive fundraising team for Vanderbilt University.  The Associate Director serves as a crucial partner to the Director of Development Research in managing and delegating prospect research requests for the department and serving as project manager on a variety of projects for RPD.  As a member of the Research team, the Associate Director spends a significant amount of time researching prospects, analyzing capacity and philanthropic inclination, and providing colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations with comprehensive intelligence and strategic insight to optimize donor identification and engagement strategies.

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: 

• Manages a team of Prospect Research Specialists, delegating and prioritizing requests, and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of briefings, verifications, and other materials, and fostering a culture of growth and excellence within the team.
• Leads and manages special projects for DAR leadership, schools, units, and regional development activity, delegating work as appropriate. 
• Utilizes screening and data mining resources, web-based searches, proprietary databases, electronic databases, and other sources to conduct in-depth analyses of donor data, market trends, and philanthropic strategies to inform fundraising initiatives and enhance decision-making.
• Assists in the creation and implementation of best practices and protocols for donor research methods, tools, and deliverables.
• Identifies high level prospects for leadership engagement and university projects, helping to build a robust pipeline of potential donors
• Contributes to data management and integrity efforts across RPD. Collaborates with information management colleagues on data efforts as needed. 
• Safeguards the confidentiality of donor information at all times.  Uphold DAR policies regarding confidential information. 
• Adheres to ethical and confidentiality guidelines as indicated by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) as well as university guidelines.
• Stays abreast of industry trends, donor behavior, and innovative fundraising and wealth management practices to continually optimize research functions.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Development Research.

Work Environment:

This role is open for remote work, with the expectation of occasional travel to campus.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required. 
• Four years of relevant experience is required. 
• Experience in university advancement/development operations preferred.
• Experience managing a team is preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, synthesize, and present complex biographical, financial, and wealth information effectively.  Strong knowledge of and proficiency in utilizing IRS and SEC filings, statistical data, and various wealth indicators. Demonstrated proficiency or mastery of specialized research resources and various gift capacity estimation techniques.
• Proven success in working independently, prioritizing work, and independently managing multiple, diverse, and competing priorities under tight deadlines.  Exceptional planning, time management, and organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail, are a must.
• Exemplary int