Assistant Director, Development Events

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Donor Events provides operational leadership and execution for donor-facing and internal events that advance Vanderbilt’s engagement and fundraising priorities across a range of initiatives. This role leads execution for assigned programs, ensures delivery of high-quality, donor-centered experiences aligned with evolving university priorities and DAR standards. The Assistant Director serves as an execution leader within the Donor Events team, translating strategy into action while maintaining strong partnerships across Development and Alumni Relations and the university.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Two or more years of experience, or the equivalent, in a related field with a proven track record of managing complex events, programs, campaigns, or development activities is required.
• Strong understanding of development strategies and event best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines – facilitating solutions and driving forward priorities.
• Creative curiosity; interest in brainstorming and problem-solving, but also gathering information and distilling it to actionable recommendations.
• The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience in events, stewardship, marketing, communications, and/or alumni relations is highly preferred.
• Individuals with experience outside of higher ed who have proven excellence in their respective career fields, and have demonstrated the ability to transfer those knowledge, skills, and abilities to the needs of a dynamic development and donor relations team will be considered.
• Appreciation for exceptional food, wine, and hospitality, with knowledge of Nashville's culinary and restaurant scene.
• Familiarity with Vanderbilt and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of assigned donor-facing events, including stewardship events, recognition programs, internal department events, leadership meetings, and special receptions.
• Support delivery of multi-day experiential programs and complex donor engagements.
• Lead planning calls, coordinate site visits, manage vendor communications and logistics for assigned programs.
• Develop design boards that are reflective of the partner’s event vision, needs, and goals.
• Coordinate venue and catering selections that complement event design and theme.
• Ensure events reflect Vanderbilt’s commitment to unreasonable hospitality and donor-centric service.
• Serve as the main point of contact for staff, student workers, vendors, and campus partners involved in day-of event delivery.
• Exercise delegated authority over event-level decision-making within established parameters.
• Develop and manage event budgets and proposals for assigned programs.
• Identify staffing needs, recruit and train staff volunteers, and serve as on-site volunteer manager when needed.
• Utilize event trackers, templates, and project management systems to manage workload and execution.
• Conduct site visits, pre-event walkthroughs, and technology check-ins.
• Manage event material prep including name badges, check-in lists, signage and misc. supplies.
• Create day-of timelines and runs of show for vendors, staff and campus partners to ensure seamless event load-in, program and load-out.
• Help maintain the internal events calendar.
• Work with the Donor Events team to organize, track, and maintain event supply inventory.
• Provide consultative support to DAR colleagues planning their own events.
• Assist with evaluating event requests and recommending scope, feasibility, and resource needs.
• Partner with DAR colleagues, campus units (such as University Ceremonies and Events and Conferences) and external vendors to ensure alignment and best practices.
• Continuously maintain and update shared Donor Events resources available to DAR colleagues.
• Lead and participate in post-event evaluations to assess outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Share insights to strengthen Donor Events standards, tools, and processes.

Benefits

• Advancing knowledge and transforming lives
• Named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers”
• Top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running.
• Opportunities as an employer of choice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level