Associate Director of Donor Engagement and Administration, Engineering

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Donor Engagement and Administration is responsible for managing comprehensive donor engagement strategies, stewardship programs, and operational initiatives for the School of Engineering’s $300M Power the Impossible Campaign. This role serves as a strategic partner in cultivating and retaining top-level donors while supporting the Engineering Council of Advisors and implementing systems-based approaches to donor communications and engagement. The successful candidate will combine development expertise and collaboration with operational excellence to enhance relationships with major donors and prospects. 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 engagement, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in development, fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, annual giving, or related field
Demonstrated experience in donor communications and relationship management
Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and standard office software
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with donors, faculty, staff, and leadership
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in documentation and data management
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend university events as needed (occasional)
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for some donor visits. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education development, particularly within engineering programs or research universities
Deep expertise in marketing, communications, stewardship, and annual giving, with the ability to develop comprehensive donor engagement plans
Skilled storyteller with the ability to translate high-level concepts into compelling pitch decks, narratives, and marketing materials that drive engagement
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to generate actionable insights to inform leadership decision-making
Experience managing advisory boards or councils
Knowledge of major gifts or principal gift fundraising
Previous experience at Vanderbilt or similar R1 institution
Experience with event planning and coordination
Background in stewardship strategy development
Familiarity with higher education advancement operations
Grant writing or proposal development experience
Social media and digital marketing experience

Responsibilities

Serve as primary liaison for all Engineering Council communications, including meeting coordination, agendas, materials, and follow-up
Manage scheduling and logistics for council meetings, events, and special initiatives
Track council member engagement metrics and identify opportunities for deeper involvement
Support council leadership in strategic planning and annual programming
Develop and maintain comprehensive council database including contact information, giving history, and engagement records
Develop compelling campaign collateral including case statements, donor proposals, brochures and one-pagers, newsletters, and promotional materials
Create integrated marketing and communications plan supporting capital campaign objectives, including timelines, channels, and messaging strategies
Collaborate with DAR, School of Engineering and university communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging
Develop prospect and donor-focused marketing materials that effectively communicate impact and opportunities
Manage content calendar for donor communications across multiple channels (email, print, digital)
Design and implement systems and processes ensuring consistent, regular communication with top donors
Develop standardized operating procedures for donor gift tracking, acknowledgment, and stewardship documentation, in collaboration with the appropriate DAR teams
Create templates and frameworks for routine donor communications and follow-ups
Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to track engagement and program effectiveness
Manage donor databases, ensuring accuracy of records and timely updates
Coordinate with gift processing and advancement services to ensure seamless donor experience
Research and identify new prospect opportunities through data analysis and strategic prospecting
Develop innovative engagement strategies to attract and activate new donors
Create and pilot new engagement initiatives, programs, and recognition opportunities
Evaluate effectiveness of engagement strategies and recommend improvements
Stay current with emerging trends in donor engagement and development best practices
Design and execute custom stewardship plans for top-level donors and prospects, ensuring meaningful engagement aligned with their philanthropic interests and giving capacity
Develop and maintain comprehensive donor relationship management protocols that ensure consistent, personalized communication and recognition
Identify opportunities to deepen relationships with donors through strategic cultivation events, impact updates, and meaningful interactions
Create and coordinate tailored stewardship recognition programs that celebrate and acknowledge donor contributions across all giving levels
Build and maintain positive relationships with current donors to encourage retention and increased engagement
Support major gift officers in proposal development and donor meetings as needed
Participate in school events, cultivations, and other development activities
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive donor information
Contribute to annual giving initiatives and fundraising events
Complete special projects and support other departmental needs as assigned