Assistant Director of Operations, Leadership Philanthropy and Engagement

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

This new Assistant Director of Operations position will be an important team member to assist with the activities of Development and Alumni Relation’s (DAR) Leadership Philanthropy and Engagement (LPE) team on all aspects of their complex operations. This position will provide support to all functions which requires the ability to prioritize multiple projects according to deadlines and the ability to exercise independent judgment. As a key contributor for the Chancellor’s and DAR Vice Chancellor’s personal outreach, you will work directly with members of the LPE team to provide timely and bespoke communications, data entry and tracking, and hospitality team assistance as needed. You will employ secondary support for personalized donor relations efforts of key audiences. 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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
3 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Proven experience as a writer and editor, preferably within the non-profit or fundraising sector.
Communication skills with the intellectual depth necessary to effectively relate to all audiences, from entry-level to senior level.
Clarity, crispness, and effectiveness in written and oral presentations.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and credibility, maturity and sound judgment required to effectively engage with all potential candidates.
Proven ability to manage effectively during times of growth and change.
Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to execute projects within established processes, including delegation of tasks, materials organization, and managing deadlines.
Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, use, and present data.
Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations.

Nice To Haves

This is not required, but preference given to experience working within higher education, non-profit, development, or other large organizations.

Responsibilities

Draft various personalized letters and e-mails (communications) for cultivation and stewardship purposes.
Possess strong writing and editing skills and the ability to tailor messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
Ensure a consistent voice, tone and style that reflects that of the university Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Vanderbilt’s organizational values, and supports DARs operational goals.
Collaborate on multi-person teams for strategic university wide initiatives and events.
Assist the Leadership Philanthropy and Engagement office with special projects/initiatives such as Chancellor’s personal outreach.
Oversee Development Officer approval process (sign off) of communications crafted for leadership.
Demonstrate expert ability to operate PowerPoint presentations in a Zoom environment, ensuring seamless transitions and effective visual support for virtual discussions and presentations.
Maintain a process improvement mindset, consistently looking for ways to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Track and maintain event details in internal tracking tools.
Track status of invitees - invited status pending, yes, or declined.
Provide status of events – how many seats available, reserved, etc. as requested
Gather guest names post-event and enter into Affinaquest database.
Compile event tracking data and reports.
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Hospitality and Concierge Services, track and manage data, assist with expense reports, PowerPoints, website editing, football ticket management as needed, and gift bag assembly and delivery as needed.
Other duties as assigned.