The Director of Development, Regional Philanthropy ( Northwest ) will help build, coordinate, and execute Vanderbilt University’s fundraising strategy with major gift donors and prospects in the Northwestern United States, with an emphasis on Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Alaska. 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.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

This position will report administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Regional Philanthropy.

Work Environment:

The Director is expected to reside in either Nashville, TN, or on the West Coast, with strong preference for candidates who live in either Seattle, Washington or Denver, Colorado.

This position will require routine travel within the assigned region. Also, it will require returning to Vanderbilt campus approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.

• Five or more years of development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting.
• The Director must be a seasoned and polished fundraising professional who understands, and is able to articulate, the nature and importance of a major research university, and particularly the significant role of Vanderbilt’s academic community.
• Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger.
• Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences.
• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development.
• Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions, designing new ideas, and driving forward priorities.
• A working understanding of education and research that will help drive forward new interdisciplinary initiatives.
• The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential.
• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.