Vanderbilt University · 1 month ago
Senior Director of Development, Global Philanthropy
Nashville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expVanderbilt University is seeking a Senior Director of Development for Global Philanthropy to enhance relationships with major gift prospects overseas, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. This role will involve developing and executing fundraising strategies, securing major gifts, and collaborating with various institutional leaders to support the university's mission.
E-LearningEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Align the philanthropic passions of donors with the university’s mission and aspirations
Help provide strategic direction and input to others on the DAR team regarding international gifts
This role is multi-faceted and requires adaptability. This position will work directly with major gift prospects. Other times, play a behind-the-scenes role in support of others
Responsible for creating, articulating, and securing support for a broad range of institutional priorities
Work diligently to understand, embrace, and develop DAR’s unique messaging to proliferate the university’s value proposition
Work cooperatively, collegially, professionally, and respectfully with DAR and university colleagues to develop and foster strong working relationships
Secure major and principal gifts
The Senior Director serves as the key strategic partner to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development in building and executing the Global Development Program for Vanderbilt
Drive forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects overseas
Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts are all part of the Senior Director’s portfolio
Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification, cultivation, and solicitation, and plan business travel accordingly
Help develop an annual business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year. Maintain and update this plan on a regular basis
Secure $1.5M+ in philanthropic gifts annually
The Senior Director is charged with advancing 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, research funding, and capital projects
Develop solicitation strategies for potential major gift donors globally; make direct solicitations; staff deans, faculty, and volunteers as needed
The Senior Director will work in collaboration with other members of DAR, Chancellor, and Provost offices staff to be successful and support university-wide objectives
Collaboration with other schools, colleges, and programs around the most significant fundraising opportunities that support the academic and research mission of Vanderbilt
Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about DAR’s responsibilities to the mission
Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in supporting all schools/units
Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major and principal gifts
Work closely with other development officers, supplying strategic direction and sharing knowledge, when needed
Serve as an expert in global philanthropy and engagement
Maintaining a level of reliability that helps stability in the department
Fostering a spirit of cooperation
Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures
Conveying thoughts/ideas on improving team performance
Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results
Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues
Performing other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and ability to carry out the essential functions of the job
8 years of relevant experience, or equivalent, is required
Successful track record of closing six and seven figure gifts
Expertise working with highest-level giving constituents
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 people
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 fundraising from individuals
Good written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development
Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions and driving forward priorities
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
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
Routine overnight travel is required
Some evening and weekend work, as needed
Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record
Preferred
5-7 years of significant fundraising experience closing major and principal gifts within a complex, higher education organization
Proficiency in languages spoken throughout Asia and the Middle East is preferred.(i.e. Mandarin)
Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred
Company
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Vanderbilt University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (90)
2024 (91)
2023 (87)
2022 (58)
2021 (62)
2020 (65)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$28.55MKey Investors
Mark AbkowitzNational Science Foundation
2018-11-07Grant· $4.5M
2018-04-18Grant· $0.55M
2015-07-10Grant· $12.8M
Leadership Team
B
Bharat Bhuva
Professor
Bill Blot
Professor
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