Vice President of Foundation Development - Ascension Saint Thomas

Ascension•Belle Meade, TN

About The Position

The Vice President & Chief Development Officer reports to the Ministry Market Chief Strategy Officer and is responsible for developing and implementing the Foundation strategic plan that aligns with the mission, vision, and values of Ascension. The Foundation VP & Chief Development Officer leads the Foundations team and provides oversight for and ensures achievement of Foundation fundraising and operational goals. Collaborate with hospital leadership, physicians, and stakeholders to develop/maintain a compelling Philanthropic Priority Inventory of strategic funding opportunities aligned with the strategic plans of the market. Provide oversight of fundraising programs to ensure achievement of annual and long-term goals, including grateful patient, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving programs. Ensure meaningful donor recognition programs that reflect gratitude and reinforce ongoing engagement. Develop, energize, and motivate staff through example, coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. Oversee accurate reporting, gift processing, and data management systems to ensure transparency and donor confidence. Partner with communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging and storytelling that highlight donor impact. Serve as primary relationship manager to Foundation Board members, manage Board meetings and engagements, track Board fundraising and engagement activity, and hold Board members accountable to fundraising and activity goals. About the Foundation Over our nearly 40-year history, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation has raised more than $120 million in support of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospitals and Outpatient Centers. Through philanthropic partnerships, the Foundation advances health equity, expands access to care, and strengthens community health initiatives across Middle Tennessee.

Requirements

Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 7 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 4 of those years being in leadership/management.

Nice To Haves

Understanding and appreciation of Ascension’s mission.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
Demonstrated experience leading, implementing, and integrating a full range of development and fundraising programs, including robust major gifts fundraising experience.
Demonstrated experience and progressive responsibility in fundraising operations, with a strong grasp of and commitment to best practices in all areas.
Demonstrated success in managing and training individuals or teams.
Proven track record of closing six and seven-figure gifts.
Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to think creatively to identify ways to implement development best practices within a unique organization and staffing structure.
Ability to creatively conceptualize and implement high-level development strategy.
Proficiency with Google applications, especially Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides, and development databases and communications technologies. Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Constant Contact, Classy, and DonorSearch and/or iWave are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop strategies to align with the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Provide oversight for fundraising efforts to ensure achievement of goals.
Develop strategy and growth business/marketing plans in conjunction with executive leadership.
Monitor industrial and national trends and forecasts to develop priorities aimed towards growth objectives.
Develop and implement policies and procedures which guide and support the provision of services and meet all productivity plans.
Create a culture of continuous quality improvement in service delivery and innovation.
Create a culture and environment that attracts, develops and retains qualified employees/associates.
Create a shared vision with staff and demonstrates the ability to articulate it clearly.
Develop, energize and motivate staff through example, coaching, and teaching.
Lead financial planning.
Develop budgets and achieves financial targets.
Ensure that department operations comply with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
Formulate and implement operational strategies and initiatives pertaining to the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
May oversee communication with key constituencies on a regular basis; serve as primary liaison to the foundation board and maintains a vital and productive fundraising board, board committees and (in some foundations) other, subsidiary boards.