Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Senior Director of Development

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Nashville • Tennessee • United States

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Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Develop proactive strategies to identify, qualify, and engage prospects for philanthropic investment.
  • Set strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives aligned with Owen’s priorities and university-wide objectives.
  • Partner with the Associate Dean of Development in annual and multi-year fundraising planning and processes.
  • Assist in setting, tracking, and assessing progress toward fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional DAR teams, including Principal Gifts, Annual and Leadership Annual Giving, Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Research and Prospect Development, Stewardship, and Alumni Relations.
  • Participate in advisory boards, councils, and committees whose responsibilities include advancing philanthropy in support of strategic priorities.
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 55 high-capacity prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more, primarily unaffiliated and unassigned.
  • Lead full donor lifecycle activities, from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure.
  • Secure outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gifts, and corporate/foundation awards in support of strategic initiatives and priority projects.
  • Achieve progressive fundraising growth, with a target range of $3–5 million.
  • Participate in strategies for effective utilization of the Dean and senior leaders in advancing the most significant fundraising opportunities.
  • Support fundraising efforts tied to strategic initiatives and projects, including centers, programs, and academic innovation.
  • Collaborate with other schools, colleges, and university programs to coordinate engagement strategies for prospects without existing unit affiliation.
  • Strengthen the identification pipeline by working closely with the Associate Dean of Development and Research and Prospect Development to surface new high-capacity prospects aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all donor and colleague interactions.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and discretion in complex situations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Eight years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required.
  • Five or more years of development experience preferred, ideally within a higher education business school environment.
  • Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000 or more and proven participation in principal-level gifts.
  • Proven success managing the full donor lifecycle, from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure.
  • Proven ability to identify and engage new or previously unassigned prospects.
  • Strong strategic thinking and organizational skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and presentation development.
  • Ability to distill ideas and articulate the mission and priorities of a major research university.
  • High level of discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Experience collaborating across teams and disciplines to drive results.
  • Familiarity with donor management systems and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in an agile, growth-oriented, and fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel overnight regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development
  • Paid time off
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
fundraisingdonor lifecycle managementprospect identificationgift solicitationgift closurestrategic planningproposal developmentpresentation developmentconfidentiality managementportfolio management
Soft Skills
strategic thinkingorganizational skillswritten communicationverbal communicationdiscretionprofessionalismcomposurecollaborationindependent managementagility