Director of Development, Children’s Health

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vanderbilt Health Executive Search Team is conducting a national search for a Director of Development, Children’s Health. The Director of Development is a frontline fundraiser focusing on mid-level gifts for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. This role will actively engage prospective donors and families within the Nashville community, cultivating relationships and collaborating closely with colleagues at Monroe Carell. This position will be responsible for growing this important donor group, identifying new prospective donors, and supporting major gift pipeline development. This position requires exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and a passion for improving pediatric care through philanthropy.

Requirements

Ability to convey commitment and passion for VUMC while always representing the Medical Center in a professional manner.
Experience making cold calls and personal, face-to-face solicitations.
Ability to develop interpersonal relationships and collaborate effectively with multiple diverse constituencies.
Ability to compose high-quality written communications, correspondence, reports, and other documents with meticulous attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work on a team that emphasizes measurable objectives, including mutually agreed upon targets for fundraising goals. Competence in database utilization and a variety of software programs used to track solicitation efforts and results.
Must take initiative, be personally accountable for work, and be a problem solver.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Ability to work well in high pressure/touch customer service situations and work well under deadlines while balancing multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Knowledge of industry best practices in healthcare/other non-profit fundraising and annual giving.
An employment history highlighted by a demonstrated ability to exercise interpersonal sensitivity and judgment with colleagues, donors, and the public.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of experience

Nice To Haves

7+ years of fundraising experience strongly preferred.
Experience securing or managing individual gifts in the range of $5,000 to $25,000 or greater strongly preferred.
Experience with donor stewardship and recognition programs strongly preferred.
Familiarity with annual giving programs strongly preferred.
Experience in non-profit fundraising, health care advancement, and/or a related field development experience, including annual or membership campaigns, is preferred.
Demonstrated success engaging leaders and volunteer partners in the development of meaningful and productive relationships with prospects and donors strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects with a focus on securing annual and multi-year commitments in the $5,000–$25,000 range; develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to deepen engagement and increase giving.
Identify, qualify, and actively engage new prospective donors within the Nashville community and beyond, including grateful patient families, community leaders, and emerging philanthropists, to grow the mid-level donor pipeline.
Partner closely with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital leadership, physicians, and clinical staff to uncover compelling funding priorities and align donor interests with institutional needs, enabling meaningful philanthropic investments in pediatric care, research, and programs.
Collaborate with gift officers, major gift teams, and advancement leadership to strategically transition high-potential mid-level donors into the major gifts pipeline, ensuring a strong continuum of donor development.
Utilize data analytics, donor insights, and CRM tools to track and manage prospect activity; ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions, movement through the pipeline, and timely execution of next steps.
Oversee and implement comprehensive stewardship plans, including personalized communications, donor impact reporting, campus visits, and engagement events, in partnership with Strategic Communications to strengthen donor loyalty and retention.
Coordinate and support targeted fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects that advance Monroe Carell’s strategic priorities, including participation in hospital events, community outreach, and donor recognition opportunities.
Work in collaboration with Community and Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Digital and Direct Marketing, and other development teams to identify cross-functional giving opportunities and align strategies for donors with diverse philanthropic interests.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mid-level fundraising strategies and programs; regularly assess performance metrics and adjust approaches to maximize donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth.
Ensure consistent, high-quality donor experiences by maintaining proactive communication, timely follow-up, and thoughtful relationship management practices.
Represent Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the community, serving as an ambassador for its mission and philanthropic priorities.
Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends and best practices in fundraising, particularly within healthcare and mid-level giving programs, to inform strategy and innovation.
Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment that aligns with VUMC’s core values and commitment to excellence.
Fulfill responsibilities that may require travel, as well as evening and weekend availability for donor meetings, events, and hospital-related activities.