Career Center

As the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Hospitality & Concierge Services (H&C) within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), you will join the Vanderbilt community located in Nashville, Tennessee, a world-class city on the rise with a cosmopolitan feel, yet small town appeal. Vanderbilt's campus is located in a park-like setting on a 330-acre arboretum.

Your activities might range from providing operational management and support, to providing logistical support for scheduled donor events, and to organizing, facilitating, and helping execute priority strategies and assignments for the Donor Relations and Hospitality & Concierge Services department. You will be a key contributor to the Leadership Philanthropy and Engagement (LEP) department, responsible for supporting and managing events and VIP visits. You will partner closely with internal and external stakeholders to schedule plans, while implementing processes to bring increased efficiency in the delivery of services.

About Us:

Vanderbilt University is a community collectively striving to succeed through immersive learning, integrated research, and collaborative discovery. We encourage diverse perspectives and recognize that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, is our greatest source of strength. We wed education and inspiration to challenge young, diverse minds to address society's greatest challenges.

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.

The Leadership Philanthropy and Engagement department is tasked with increasing the engagement and philanthropic interests of Vanderbilt's highest-level donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project identification:

• Work with DAR leadership to identify priority assignments in support of Vanderbilt's mission.
• Gain knowledge and familiarity with existing activities and programs as well as campus partnerships.
• Connect with internal leaders to help identify new opportunities and/or areas for enhancement.
• Benchmark with peers to identify best practices.
• Solicit ideas for unique and fresh approaches for engaging constituents.
• Gauge external stakeholders and consider opportunities to establish relationships and/or re-engage key constituents.

Project implementation:

• Develop project management plans and orchestrate institutional partnerships and resources.
• Prioritize multiple projects according to organizational demands.
• Establish regular communication flow with key stakeholders.
• Monitor the progress of multiple projects and make adjustments, as necessary, to assure timelines are met.

Project controls:

• Monitor budgeted expenditures.
• Collaborate with external and internal colleagues to create standards/dashboards for measurement of operational effectiveness.

Project evaluation:

• Evaluate the outcomes of the project.
• Help identify opportunities to enhance and continuously improve.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Uphold departmental and institutional policies regarding confidential information.
• Keep track of new restaurants for the chancellor and update his Trello Board as needed.
• Attend events on and off campus as needed, some on nights and weekends.
• Help Director assemble welcome packages to donors and hotels as needed.
• Give tours of campus to VIPs as needed.
• Assist with Nashville connections, connecting both alums and non-alums to Vanderbilt.
• Assist in forming relationships with Nashville restaurants and hotels for access to reservations for the concierge program.
• Assist with strategic plans for the Hospitality and Concierge Program.
• Data tracking and reporting as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. However, the position will serve as a strong #2 for the hospitality and concierge team and responsible for leading individual events and programs.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Donor Relations and Hospitality & Concierge Services

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Qualifications:

• Three years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.
• Experience in development is preferred.
• Knowledge of software programs applicable to development is desirable.
• The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, professional team player with courteous interpersonal skills and an excellent customer service attitude.
• Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.
• The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities are essential.
• Must have a professional attitude, and exhibit considerable tact, persuasion, and judgement in interactions with internal and external constituents.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Affinity for mastering new computer programs and database management.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with high-level executives.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Position requires flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Ability to handle crisis situations and perform well under pressure.
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

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.