Senior Director, Donor Engagement

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Senior Director managing donor engagement and high-value gifts for Vanderbilt University. Overseeing project management and donor relations for transformative principal gifts.

Posted 6/22/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Ensure Vanderbilt University delivers fully on the intent, expectations, and outcomes associated with a select portfolio of transformative principal gifts.
Operate at the intersection of donor relations, project management, and internal coordination to provide a curated portfolio of donors with exceptional service and engagement.
Manage a portfolio of 3-6 complex, high-value gifts and donors secured within the past 1-2 years.
Facilitate success across all aspects of gift fulfillment—compliance, stewardship, reporting, and milestone delivery.
Collaborate across Donor Engagement and Communications and Development teams to deliver high-touch, personalized experiences.
Act as a project manager across stakeholders including academic units, finance, advancement, and university leadership.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.
Eight years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is required.
Prefer experience within higher education and principal gift donor relations.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Confidentiality and discretion are a must.
Must have professional attitude, and exhibit considerable tact, persuasion, and judgement in interactions with internal and external constituents.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
Affinity for mastering new computer programs, such as our CRM.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Excellent project management skills.
Ability to handle crisis situations and perform well under pressure.
Flexibility to work nights and weekends when needed.

Benefits

Comp & perks

The department assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources required to achieve its mission and goals.
Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” and a top employer in Tennessee.
Offers opportunities for individuals interested in learning and growing professionally.
Equal-opportunity employer with consideration for employment without regard to various protected characteristics.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project managementgift fulfillmentcompliancestewardshipreportingmilestone deliverydonor relationscustomer servicecrisis managementcomputer skills

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsconfidentialitydiscretiontactpersuasionjudgementoral communicationwritten communicationflexibilityability to work under pressure