Job Description: 

The Senior Director of Class and Reunion Engagement is responsible for leading and executing the annual giving volunteer outreach plan to increase engagement and fundraising activity among undergraduate classes. The effective use of volunteers to amplify and extend Vanderbilt’s reach is a critical component of the university’s strategy to expand donor participation at all levels to support unrestricted and current-use annual giving goals as well as the work of school and unit teams to solicit major and planned gifts. This class-based outreach is the cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s volunteer driven strategy of peer-to-peer outreach and includes the critically important undergraduate reunion effort. As the leader for the bulk of volunteers engaged in peer-to-peer outreach, this position is responsible for the planning and execution of Vanderbilt-wide volunteer engagement strategies, including Volunteer Leadership Weekend. This position is a leader in DAR and across campus, coordinating efforts across multiple teams and giving voice and direction for undergraduate alumni volunteer programs. The Senior Director reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving and directly oversees a team of 6 engagement and annual giving professionals

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 identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs.

Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university’s students, faculty, staff and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the perks of Vanderbilt. VU is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity 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 was recently ranked #1 in the Princeton Review among 382 top colleges and universities for “happiest students” – as well as #2 for “best quality of life” and “great financial aid,” #5 for “best run colleges” and “beautiful campus,” and #6 for both being in a “college city that students love” and having “great campus/city relations.”

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Senior Director of Class and Reunion Engagement leads efforts to recruit volunteers for peer-to-peer outreach among all undergraduate classes with an emphasis on increasing involvement and making a gift to the university. Focus areas include undergraduate reunions, class agents, and the Graduates of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) populations.

• Drive vision, strategy, and coordination to execute on class-based volunteer engagement plans that directly drive fundraising and engagement goals
• Serve as the DAR leader and liaison for the planning and execution of Reunion Weekend annually, in close collaboration communications and other departments
• Develop and execute on plans for Volunteer Leadership Weekend and other comprehensive volunteer programs and events
• Staff key reunion and G.O.L.D. leadership volunteers throughout the year to cultivate relationships and position these volunteers as key alumni leaders; this includes the Reunion  General Chairs and the G.O.L.D. Council
• Analyze and articulate the impact of peer-to-peer outreach and volunteers overall to demonstrate the value of Vanderbilt’s volunteer strategies
• Work cross-department to leverage volunteer opportunities and peer touches to advance the fundraising goals of each school and unit
• Develop tactics to build awareness among volunteers through training and materials and ensure a top-notch experience where volunteers see their own value and impact
• Manage key volunteer management resources, including Vanderbilt’s volunteer management platform
• Motivate a team of class managers and engagement/fundraising professionals to do high-touch, results-oriented outreach and volunteer management
• Perform other duties assigned

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position has supervisory responsibility for the Classes and Reunions team, including six fundraising and engagement professionals. This position reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving.

Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Five or more years of experience is required; Prefer experience with higher education development
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a team environment
• Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking
• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information
• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:  

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.