Associate Director, Donor Relations Initiatives

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Operational leader at Vanderbilt University managing donor relations technology platforms. Implementing AI strategies and collaborating with teams to enhance efficiency and reporting.

Posted 5/29/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end implementation and onboarding of the Mythos donor reporting and communications platform and other tools, ensuring alignment with departmental and university priorities.
Maintain oversight of platform operations including monitoring performance, managing data integrity, and coordinating upgrades.
Utilize AI tools and automation strategies to reduce manual data entry and reporting tasks, improving turnaround times and data accuracy.
Develop, document, and continuously refine workflows related to donor impact reporting and solicitation proposal generation incorporating AI-enabled efficiencies.
Collaborate with the DAR Communications team to seamlessly integrate Mythos outputs into communications and fundraising campaigns.
Collaborate with design team partners, coordinate the development and implementation of new templates as needed that are both compelling and brand compliant.
Provide expert support, training, and resources for DAR and Development staff to maximize platform adoption and leverage AI-powered features.
Act as a liaison between Development Operations, DAR, and Technology Services to troubleshoot issues and implement platform enhancements.
Analyze usage trends, donor data, and solicitation outcomes to produce actionable insights and foster process improvements.
Coordinate cross-functional meetings and project timelines to meet quality and delivery standards on platform initiatives.
Maintain and expand a content library with precise data cataloging, supported by AI-based organizational tools where applicable.
Lead pilot testing and rollout of new platform features or AI integrations in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.
Ensure use of Mythos platform and other tools complies with data privacy, security, and institutional policies.
Promote and implement standardized processes and procedures for Donor Relations and DAR Communications teams, optimizing cross-team collaboration.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Advanced degree is preferred.
Four years of relevant experience required, ideally in higher education or a related field requiring data and systems management.
Proven experience managing software platforms in development, fundraising, or related operational contexts.
Strong data management, cataloging skills, and operational system implementation expertise.
Experience incorporating AI or automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency is highly desirable.
Ability to collaborate across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience training users of varying technical backgrounds.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of independent work and managing multiple priorities.
Demonstrated project management skills and comfort with technology integration projects.
Familiarity with donor relations, fundraising processes, or higher education advancement is preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

We are open to considering fully remote.
Hybrid work environment where the expectation is to be in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs.
Additional duties and special projects as assigned.

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Hard Skills & Tools

data managementcatalogingoperational system implementationAI integrationautomation technologiesplatform managementworkflow developmentdata integrity monitoringperformance analysissolicitation proposal generation

Soft Skills

collaborationcommunicationtrainingself-motivationdetail-orientedproject managementindependent workmulti-priority managementstakeholder engagementcross-team collaboration