Director of Community Development

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: Development Job Summary: The Vanderbilt Health Executive Search Team is conducting a national search for a Director of Community Development. The Director of Community Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and leads special event fundraising activities that benefit VUMC. The Director collaborates with VUMC leaders and community partners to deliver successful events that grow philanthropic support, amplify awareness of VUMC’s mission as a nonprofit academic health system, and identify and cultivate prospects for the annual giving and major gifts pipelines. The Director of Community Development carries a portfolio of twenty-two annual fundraising events that benefit VUMC, including management of one of VUMC’s signature events. The Director of Community Development works collaboratively with medical center leadership and community partners to ensure the best financial outcome for the events. On average, this role raises 1M+ in New Money. In addition to raising funds, the goal of this Community Development position is to increase awareness of the charitable nature of VUMC and identify prospects for both the annual giving and major gift teams. The Director of Community Development reports to the Senior Director of Development and leads special event fundraising activities that benefit VUMC. The Director collaborates with VUMC leaders and community partners to deliver successful events that grow philanthropic support, amplify awareness of VUMC’s mission as a nonprofit academic health system, and identify and cultivate prospects for the annual giving and major gifts pipelines. . Purpose: Through the exceptional capabilities and caring spirit of its people, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) leads in the delivery of exemplary health care, improving the lives of individuals and communities regionally, nationally, and internationally. We combine transformative educational programs, compelling scientific discoveries, and distinctive personalized care to achieve this goal. To consistently achieve excellence in medical science and health care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development builds relationships and encourages philanthropic contributions to directly impact today’s work and to secure a strong future of service. Enthusiastic and timely support from our philanthropic partners enables VUMC as a nonprofit academic medical institution to excel in conducting groundbreaking research, training future leaders, and providing compassionate care to patients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of experience

Nice To Haves

Healthcare fundraising experience preferred.
Three to five years of relevant experience working for an academic medical center on major gifts from individuals and families preferred.
Experience managing a portfolio of prospects to support and grow major gift activity for institutional priorities preferred.
Experience overseeing the tracking of major gift prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle by reviewing timely and appropriate moves on donor/prospects.
Excellent judgment and sensitivity to interpersonal and organizational dynamics preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain solid working relationships with development colleagues, faculty, staff, and leaders preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with the development leaders to establish measurable goals and objectives aligned with established funding priorities of VUMC.
Manage and grow a portfolio of third-party and signature event partnerships to increase revenue and brand visibility for VUMC.
Lead or support all aspects of multiple events—including several that generate $100,000+ each—covering planning, budgets, timelines, vendors, volunteers, day‑of execution, and post-event analysis.
Advise event organizers on best practices and ensure appropriate VUMC brand positioning and mission alignment.
Develop and execute strategic fundraising and stewardship plans to strengthen donor relationships, loyalty, and commitment to VUMC.
Partner with Corporate and Foundation Relations team members to identify, cultivate, and secure special event sponsorships with corporate donors, and ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits.
Represent VUMC at events and prepare key leaders for event attendance; provide briefings and relay key messages about institutional priorities in written and oral communication.
In partnership with Development’s Strategic Communications team, manage logistics for public-facing activities such as check presentations or media events, involving VUMC and/or VUMC Development leadership, and staff from Strategic Marketing or News & Communications as appropriate.
In coordination with Development Finance, build and manage event budgets; track revenue and expenses; ensure timely reconciliation and reporting.
In coordination with the Community Development Program Manager, maintain accurate donor and event records and ensure compliance with community event guidelines.
When appropriate, qualify and refer event donors to Major Gifts to deepen and strengthen their relationship with VUMC.
Support the overall goals of the major gift team and VUMC Development.
Travel as required.