The Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving will partner with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving on strategy building for the Owen Annual Fund to increase percent participation from alumni and double fundraising efforts within 3-5 years. The Director also leads Owen Graduate School of Management’s (Owen) alumni and volunteer engagement strategies, including the production of Owen Reunion and virtual, local, and regional alumni and donor events. The Director assists in all aspects of Owen’s Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving programs to drive alumni and volunteer engagement and unrestricted financial support.

The Department of Development and Alumni Engagement (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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Fund Strategy Building & Support:

• Partner with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and the Assistant Director of Annual Fund Marketing to create and implement a comprehensive program for annual gifts, specifically focused on new ideas to increase alumni giving in both funds raised and annual support with a goal of doubling the Owen Annual Fund in 3-5 years.

• Manage the Owen Annual Fund’s strategic plan, including setting goals and performance metrics.

• Maintain relationships with appropriate constituency groups including alumni, donors, and Owen faculty and staff.

Reunion & Event Planning:

Lead all aspects of event planning including coordination, logistics and management for Reunion as well ad hoc virtual, local, and regional Owen alumni events, and the Owen Event-in-a-Box program.

• Key events include the annual Vanderbilt Reunion (November 7-10, 2024), regional Event-in-a-Box management, Distinguished Alumni Award Reception and Donor Dinner, Dare to Grow campaign-related events, and support of biannual Alumni Board meetings.

• Responsibilities include supporting alumni Event-in-a-Box hosts, selecting venues and caterers for events, budgeting, producing invitations and registration websites, monitoring and encouraging attendance, creating an amazing experience, and assisting with post event surveys.

• Travel to alumni events as needed; Some weekend and evening events required.

Alumni Engagement Content Creation & Strategy:

• In partnership with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, develop a strategic plan for Owen alumni engagement and evaluate its effectiveness on a yearly basis.

• Create and maintain an alumni engagement content calendar for virtual and in person events, strategically identifying speakers to cultivate relationships, owning event logistics, communications, and prep, seamlessly executing the event, and monitoring post-event surveys for improvements.

Communications & Volunteer Leadership:

• Support the Assistant Director of Annual Fund Marketing on all event marketing, Owen alumni website (https://business.vanderbilt.edu/alumni/alumni-board/) , LinkedIn Owen Alumni Group (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/54719/) , and Inside Owen alumni e-newsletter. Assist with Vanderbilt Business Magazine and respond professionally and timely to alumni at owen.alum@vanderbilt.edu email account.

• Manage volunteer communities such as Class Secretaries which increase alumni participation and engagement through peer-to-peer outreach, and DAR Fellows (student volunteers).

• Cultivate relationships with alumni through activities such as birthday cards, care packages, thank you gifts, stewardship, and planning special donor events such as lunches and dinners.

Project Management & Data Analysis:

• Maintain volunteer lists, event calendars, timelines & event attendance.

• Manage information flow for Salesforce VandyQuest (Development CRM Database).

• Assist with ad hoc data analysis, reports, and requests such as alumni and donor lists.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Owen.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent work experience, is required.

• Five to seven (5-7) years of professional experience is required, ideally in higher education, fundraising/development, communications, event planning, or sales.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills due to heavy interaction with high level alumni executives.

• Proficient in utilizing CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), databases, and other relevant software to manage and analyze alumni data and engagement efforts.

• Service mentality – a spirit of hospitality; enjoys being of service to alumni, faculty and staff.

• Strong relationship building skills.

• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Strategic thinker – enjoys flexing strategy, innovation, and creativity muscles. Thought partner for Senior Director that can brainstorm strategy, embrace feedback and take direction.

• Ownership mentality – proactively anticipates what needs to be done.

• Executively mature - Applies sound judgment in all situations.

• Experience with planning and implementation of events and programs.

• Strong volunteer outreach and engagement skills (including written and in-person interactions).

• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, meets deadlines, and adapts to changing priorities.

• Analytical approach – ability to analyze data and find actionable insights.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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