Director of Regional Philanthropy, West Coast

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Position Summary:

The Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy (West Coast) will help build, coordinate, and execute Vanderbilt University’s fundraising strategy with major gift donors and prospects in the Western United States, with an emphasis on Southern California, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest. In addition, travel to smaller markets where strong concentrations of alumni are located is encouraged to maximize philanthropic support for the university. 

This position will work in a highly collaborative fashion with institutional leaders and other Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team members to identify and execute fundraising strategies and oversee the development and execution of a business plan and prospect strategies for their own portfolio in the region.

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.  DAR’s university development team is responsible for seeking new resources from alumni, parents, friends, and family foundations to support key fundraising priorities.  More information can be found here:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

The Director of Development will work closely with others to help surface and develop the ideas, consistent with the institution’s strategic direction and often multidisciplinary in nature, that provide the greatest impact to the university’s students and faculty, as well as to the greatest good.

Implement and coordinate Regional Philanthropy’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University.

The Director will advance Regional Philanthropy by collaborating with DAR staff and university leaders—including the Chancellor, Provost, and Deans—to support university-wide objectives. Working across schools, colleges, and programs, the Director will identify significant fundraising opportunities aligned with Vanderbilt's academic, athletics, and research missions. This involves developing prospect strategies that leverage the relationships and involvement of key university leaders in major fundraising efforts.

Throughout all responsibilities, the Director will maintain a donor-centric approach, ensuring that philanthropic initiatives consistently reflect donor interests and priorities.

Secure major gifts.

The Director serves as a major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, stakeholders, and prospects that can make gifts of $100,000 or greater.

Increase the overall fundraising success for Vanderbilt.

The Director is charged with securing gifts from alumni, donors and friends in Southern California, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest. Their work will support the universities’ larger regional vision. This includes leading a comprehensive fundraising program that will achieve success in securing funds to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to -- endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, research funding, and capital projects. The Director also works closely with the Executive Director for Regional Philanthropy in the goal setting process each fiscal year. The Director will collaborate with DAR staff and other development officers to advance Regional Philanthropy initiatives, support university-wide objectives, and maintain a donor-centric approach.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt’s responsibilities to the mission

• Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain