Director, Donor Relations Experience

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The Director of Donor Relations Experience plays a pivotal role in advancing Vanderbilt University’s fundraising efforts by developing and executing highly customized engagement plans and/or deliverables for identified donors in partnership with the Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief Development Officer, Executive Director of Donor Relations, Senior Director of Donor Relations Experience, and other members of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) leadership. This includes active management of the Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief Development Officer portfolio, as well as development and execution of custom relationship plans for principal gift donors. 

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 Vanderbilt University’s principal gift donors.

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

• Collaborate with Donor Relations team members todeliver high-impact donor experiences and opportunities for engagement between donors and their beneficiaries/impact. 

• In partnership with DAR colleagues, participate in the planning and execution of high-end event experiences.

• Introduce new, innovative methods to build the pipeline for principal gifts, to cultivate top donors, to recognize leadership gifts, and to inspire ongoing transformational gifts. 

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

• Work in consultation with development officers, to implement proactive, strategic stewardship opportunities for principal and major gift donors.

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

• Advise development officers on tailored engagement for principal and major gift donors. 

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

• Partner with DARComm and 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 Senior Director of Donor Relations Experience.

Work Environment:

Hybrid role based in Nashville – in the office approximately 1 day per week, depending on business needs. 

Education and Certifications:

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

Experience and Skill