Assistant Dean of Development - Divinity School

As the Assistant Dean of Development for the Divinity School, you will join the Vanderbilt community located in Nashville, Tennessee, a world-class city on the rise with a cosmopolitan feel, yet small town appeal. Vanderbilt’s campus is located in a park-like setting on a 330-acre arboretum. 

As a key member of the Development leadership team, the Assistant Dean participates in setting fundraising goals and manages a portfolio of top prospects, in addition to developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the dean, Assistant deans, business officer, and director of external relations of the Divinity School to facilitate partnerships around goals, priorities, and outcomes.

The Assistant Dean is charged with setting, tracking, and assessing progress toward Divinity’s fundraising goals in coordination with other DAR teams (e.g., Annual Giving, the Parents and Grandparents Campaign, and Gift Planning). The Assistant Dean also collaborates closely with the Dean to effectively engage boards, committees, or councils whose membership includes alumni or other supporters and whose responsibilities – in part or solely – include increasing philanthropy. 

About Us:

Vanderbilt University is a community collectively striving to succeed through immersive learning, integrated research, and collaborative discovery. We encourage diverse perspectives and recognize that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, is our greatest source of strength. We wed education and inspiration to challenge young, diverse minds to address society’s greatest challenges. 

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. 

You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

About You: 

As the Assistant Dean of the Divinity School, you are a responsible, collaborative development professional who is excited to partner closely with our dedicated team members who are passionate about Vanderbilt’s mission. 

You will be a key contributor on our Development leadership team, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. In this role, your responsibilities will include securing major and principal gifts, increasing the overall fundraising success for Divinity, as well as serving as liaison to other development teams, university offices, and school leadership.

In addition to building authentic rapport with the Vanderbilt community, you have the ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Design, implement, and coordinate Divinity’s development programs, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University.
• Serve as a major gift officer for the Divinity School, driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 40 - 60 prospects that are capable of making gifts of $100,000 or greater. Outright gifts, pledges, corporate and foundation awards, and planned gifts at this level are all part of the Assistant Dean’s portfolio.
• Oversee the comprehensive fundraising program that will drive larger success in securing funds to support key priorities, which could include, but are not limited to -- endowed scholarships and chairs, academic program support, and capital projects. 
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean of the College of Connected Computing and DAR Leadership in the goal setting process each fiscal year to set targets that are both ambitious and achievable.
• Work closely with the Dean to effectively engage boards, committees, or councils whose membership includes alumni or other supporters and whose responsibilities – in part or solely – include increasing philanthropy. 
• Coordinate, plan, and work directly with the Dean of the college and serve on the senior administrative team. 
•  Work in collaboration with other members of DAR staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives, along with a commitment to being donor-centric.
• Partner with other schools, colleges, and programs as well as developing prospect strategies for the effective utilization of the Dean, and possibly the Provost and Chancellor, around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the mission of Divinity.
• Establish strong relationships with Divinity’s senior staff in admissions, finance, communication, career services, and faculty affairs. Strategic planning and advice are highly valued by the Dean, as these are skills frequently utilized to compliment the School’s efforts beyond development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This position will be located in the Nashville area.  The work environment will by hybrid, where you can expect to be in the office approximately 1 day per week, or more depending on business needs. 

Compensation:

This position includes eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus of up to 15%, or more, of your annual salary, contingent on meeting predetermined goals. The exact bonus amount will be determined based on your ability to successfully deliver on balanced performance indicators throughout the fiscal year.  Other eligibility factors apply

Supervisory Relationships:

The Assistant Dean has supervisory responsibility of an Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Leadership Annual Giving, and an Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Engagement

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of the College of Connected Computing

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree, or the equivalent is necessary.
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent, is preferred.

Experience and Skills

The Assistant Dean must be a seasoned and polished fundraising executive who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of a major research university, and in particular, the significant role of the Divinity School within this larger academic community. Leading candidates should have:

• 10 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent is necessary
• Seven or more years of direct development experience preferred, with a background in a higher education setting
• Willingness and ability to personally solicit gifts of $100,000 and larger
• Familiarity with theological education and/or religious organizations is preferred
• Experience building a portfolio for niche/non-traditional markets is preferable
• 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
• A proven record of achievement in major and principal gift fund raising from individuals
• Ability to plan, articulate and implement a major gift program that will include not only alumni, parents and friends, but also corporate, foundation and planned giving
• Experience in managing and leading volunteers and/or boards
• Superb 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
• Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred
• 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
• Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education, research, and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations
• 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.
• Routine overnight travel is necessary
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed

Salary : $100,000