Associate Director, Regional Engagement - NYC

Vanderbilt University•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Regional Engagement (New York City) leads Vanderbilt’s in-market alumni and parent engagement strategy across the greater NYC area, including support of the Vanderbilt NYC campus (VU-NYC). This role manages a portfolio of high-impact programming, strengthens community connections, and advances volunteer leadership across the region. The Associate Director serves as the primary driver of NYC Chapter activity—overseeing programming, recruiting and developing volunteers, and ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities that connect alumni, parents, students, and friends to Vanderbilt. In close partnership with DAR colleagues and university stakeholders, this role also leads advance planning and execution of Alumni and Parent Engagement events, supports Annual Giving initiatives, and facilitates campus-based collaborations that deepen engagement and generate philanthropic support. This is a highly collaborative, externally facing role requiring strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute high-quality events and experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Two years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
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 audiences
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential
Thrives in a cross-collaborative environment, driving forward goals thorough innovative thinking and creative solutions
Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when working with alumni, parents, friends of the university, and employees
Ability to adapt to and use current computer technologies, as well as Salesforce, Event/Project Management tools/systems and Vanderbilt’s donor management system 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Volunteer Management preferred, with a background in a higher education setting

Responsibilities

Lead strategy, planning, and execution of NYC Chapter programming to expand and deepen engagement across alumni, parents, students, and friends
Partner with the Anchor Events team and local volunteers to deliver a dynamic annual calendar, including signature programs such as Networking Night, Commodores in the Community, Welcome to the City, Commodore Launch, and Vanderbilt & You
Serve as forward operations lead for additional team event logistics, including venue and event logistics research, consultation, and collaborative execution with team partners to deliver seamless, high-quality events and engagement experiences (i.e. Parent events, Admissions and Career partnership programs)
Recruit, train, and steward a diverse pipeline of chapter volunteers, fostering leadership development and succession planning
Build strong relationships with chapter volunteers through one-on-one, small group, and large-scale interactions
Equip chapter volunteers with tools, guidance, and support to drive successful engagement initiatives
Serve as a collaborative frontline engagement manager to recruit, engage, refer and thank volunteers across other areas of Alumni and Parent Engagement and Annual Giving as needed
Partner with Annual Giving teams to execute in-market activations, including Giving Day and targeted specialty campaigns
Identify and refer engaged constituents to development partners, supporting pipeline growth and philanthropic outcomes
Act as a key liaison to VU-NYC, supporting initiatives such as Welcome Week, Lifelong Learning, and other campus-based programs
Represent Alumni and Parent Engagement & Annual Giving in select meetings, contributing to partnership development and program ideation
Support VU-NYC campus visits for constituents and volunteers as needed
Maintain accurate and timely records of engagement activity to support measurement and reporting
With Senior Director, develop and deliver data-driven, compelling action updates for leadership
Evening and weekend work required based on event schedule
Travel required
Perform other duties as assigned