Associate Director, Institutional Engagement – Foundation Relations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Associate Director managing Vanderbilt University's fundraising efforts through engagement plans. Develops and executes strategies for customized foundation relationships.

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

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development, strategy, and implementation of tailored custom relationship plans for Foundations.
Work collaboratively with other Vanderbilt teams, DAR unit leaders, faculty, and campus program leadership to secure timely reporting, as outlined in foundation gift agreements.
Oversee the creation and execution of custom, comprehensive reporting for Foundations to highlight the full impact they have on the university.
Document all foundation gift agreement objectives in DAR’s CRM.
Collaborate with Foundation Relations team members to deliver high-impact donor experiences and opportunities for engagement between Foundations and their beneficiaries/impact.
Introduce new, innovative methods to build the pipeline for Foundations, to recognize gifts, and to inspire ongoing transformational gifts.
Manage foundation portal submissions and reporting.
Serve as the primary Donor Relations liaison for Foundation meetings with leadership on regular basis.
Work in consultation with development officers, to implement proactive, strategic stewardship opportunities for Foundations.
Lead a process during new Foundation gift closes to consider what stewardship is included in the gift agreements.
Advise development officers on tailored engagement.
Manage gifts given to Foundations, overseeing procurement and strategic distribution to enhance the donor experience and underscore the impact of their philanthropy.
Partner with DAR Communications (DARComm) and Communications and Marketing (MarComm) to produce donor feature stories that spotlight exceptional examples of generosity.
Provide insight and expertise on how to enhance the quality and effectiveness of stewardship and engagement programs by keeping informed of best practices, latest ideas, developments, and trends in donor relations.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required
Four years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is required
Prefer experience within higher education and foundation relations
Excellent interpersonal skills
Willingness and ability to connect and engage with constituents
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
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with all levels, including high-level executives
Ability to make independent decisions
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent customer service skills
Excellent project management skills
Ability to handle crisis situations and perform well under pressure
Position requires flexibility to work nights and weekends when needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

At **Vanderbilt University**, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Hard Skills & Tools

CRMMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Wordproject managementreportingdata analysisdonor relationsstewardshipgift agreements

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillscustomer service skillsproject management skillsflexibilitytactpersuasionjudgmentconfidentialityability to work under pressure

Certifications

Bachelor's degree