Associate Director, Regional Engagement - NYC

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The Associate Director of Regional Engagement (New York City) leads Vanderbilt’s in-market alumni and parent engagement strategy across the greater NYC area, including support of the Vanderbilt NYC campus (VU-NYC). This role manages a portfolio of high-impact programming, strengthens community connections, and advances volunteer leadership across the region.

The Associate Director serves as the primary driver of NYC Chapter activity—overseeing programming, recruiting and developing volunteers, and ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities that connect alumni, parents, students, and friends to Vanderbilt.

In close partnership with DAR colleagues and university stakeholders, this role also leads advance planning and execution of Alumni and Parent Engagement events, supports Annual Giving initiatives, and facilitates campus-based collaborations that deepen engagement and generate philanthropic support.

This is a highly collaborative, externally facing role requiring strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute high-quality events and experiences.

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.  More information can be found here:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Regional Engagement Strategy and Programming

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution of NYC Chapter programming to expand and deepen engagement across alumni, parents, students, and friends
• Partner with the Anchor Events team and local volunteers to deliver a dynamic annual calendar, including signature programs such as Networking Night, Commodores in the Community, Welcome to the City, Commodore Launch, and Vanderbilt & You
• Serve as forward operations lead for additional team event logistics, including venue and event logistics research, consultation, and collaborative execution with team partners to deliver seamless, high-quality events and engagement experiences (i.e. Parent events, Admissions and Career partnership programs)

Volunteer Leadership and Pipeline Development

• Recruit, train, and steward a diverse pipeline of chapter volunteers, fostering leadership development and succession planning

• Build strong relationships with chapter volunteers through one-on-one, small group, and large-scale interactions 

• Equip chapter volunteers with tools, guidance, and support to drive successful engagement initiatives 

• Serve as a collaborative frontline engagement manager to recruit, engage, refer and thank volunteers across other areas of Alumni and Parent Engagement and Annual Giving as needed 

Annual Giving Support

• Partner with Annual Giving teams to execute in-market activations, including Giving Day and targeted specialty campaigns
• Identify and refer engaged constituents to development partners, supporting pipeline growth and philanthropic outcomes

Campus and Partner Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison to VU-NYC, supporting initiatives such as Welcome Week, Lifelong Learning, and other campus-based programs
• Represent Alumni and Parent Engagement & Annual Giving in select meetings, contributing to partnership development and program ideation
• Support VU-NYC campus visits for constituents and volunteers as needed

Measurement and Data Integrity

• Maintain accurate and timely records of engagement activity to support measurement and reporting
• With Senior Director, develop and deliver data-driven, compelling action updates for leadership

Additional Expectations

• Evening and weekend work required based on event schedule
• Travel required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationshi