Associate Director, Parent Engagement

The Associate Director for Parent Engagement is responsible for managing Vanderbilt’s Parent Ambassador program spanning the full volunteer cycle from recruitment, day-to-day engagement, stewardship, and progression. Ambassador volunteer roles are a critical component of the university’s strategy to amplify messages, expand reach, and deepen engagement among all members of the community—including parents. This role will facilitate volunteer engagement that directly impacts admissions yield and reach, career outcomes through parent supported internships and networking, stronger community ties, philanthropy.

Key objectives of this program and for this role include: 

• Leverage volunteers to foster of a culture of philanthropy and peer-to-peer engagement
• Increase parent volunteer identified internships and job opportunities for VU students
• Enhance undergraduate admissions and yield efforts through local volunteers and their networks
• Drive inclusive community-building for all parents, eg. first-generation, alumni parents, international parents, and more
• Empower parents/volunteers to tell VU’s story and enhance the university’s reputation and reach

About the Work Unit:

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/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead volunteer recruitment for a diverse community of parent ambassador volunteers, including outreach efforts and materials
• Oversee day-to-day volunteer management to grow the pipeline for the Parent Ambassador Council
• Manage onboarding of volunteers including training and support where needed
• Organize volunteer outreach to incoming and prospective families
• Collaborate with campus partners to increase avenues of response for yield outreach, mentorship, internships, and job opportunities
• Increase awareness among the parent volunteers of Vanderbilt pride points and university resources through organizing of webinar series 
• Work creatively to cultivate and steward volunteers in unique and personal ways to grow their engagement and commitment to the university; foster accountability through timely follow-up
• Plan and execute logistics for parent volunteer events where necessary 
• Work to provide a top-notch experience by gathering feedback and direction from volunteers on a regular basis 
• Work with the Director on Move-In, Orientation, and Family Weekend programming and volunteers to provide thoughtful and engaging events for students and their families
• Work with the director on programming of Parents and Family Association Board meetings
• Collaborate with Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving colleagues and provide event support where needed
• Some travel is required throughout the year to support parent or prospective parent events
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Parents and Family Programs. 

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role based in Nashville – in the office approximately 1 day per week depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• One or more years of experience, or the equivalent, is necessary; Prefer experience with higher education development
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a team environment
• Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking
• 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
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes; and recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together.  
• Shares information; communicates proactively; transmits knowledge; asks for advice and considers it thoughtfully.
• Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers. 
• Expects and delivers excellence. Is proactive and focused on creative problem solving. Welcomes input to making things better. Places a high value on learning and improving.
• Is motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Balances multiple, competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.