Senior Director Strategic Prospect Development Jobs

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development for the School of Engineering is a senior fundraising professional within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) who focuses on strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects capable of making transformational gifts to support the highest priorities of the School of Engineering. This role manages a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and plays a central role in achieving fundraising goals, with a target fundraising range of $3–5 million annually.

The Senior Director serves as a liaison and primary fundraising partner for designated engineering-affiliated institutes and centers. The role carries a specific focus on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting support from foundations and corporate entities in support of strategic priorities for the School of Engineering.

About the Work Unit

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 engagement, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected PerformanceStrategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop proactive strategies to identify, qualify, and engage prospects for philanthropic investment aligned with Engineering’s priorities and university-wide objectives with a focus on $1M+ gifts.
• Set strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives, with particular emphasis on engaging and growing support from unaffiliated, mission-based foundations, corporate partners and individuals that align with strategic priorities.
• Partner with the Associate Dean of Development in annual and multi-year fundraising planning and processes.
• Assist in setting, tracking, and assessing progress toward fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional DAR teams, including Transformational Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives, Principal Gifts, Annual and Leadership Annual Giving, Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Gift Planning, Research and Prospect Development, Stewardship, and Alumni Relations.
• Participate in advisory councils, and committees whose responsibilities include advancing philanthropy in support of strategic priorities.
• Learn and articulate the Vanderbilt mission and the significance of Engineering’s role within the larger academic community.

Liaison and Partnership Development

• Serve as a liaison and primary fundraising partner for designated engineering-affiliated institutes and centers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty leadership of these institutes and centers to align fundraising strategies with their priorities and opportunities.
• Facilitate engagement between prospects, donors, and institute/center leadership to advance collaborative fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding the missions, accomplishments, and funding needs of assigned institutes and centers for DAR and the University.

Program Growth and Institutional Collaboration

• Support fundraising efforts tied to strategic initiatives, projects, centers, programs, and academic innovation.
• Strengthen the identification pipeline by working closely with the Associate Dean of Development and Research and Prospect Development to surface new high-capacity prospects aligned with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with other schools, colleges, and university programs to coordinate engagement strategies for prospects without existing unit affiliation.
• Develop targeted solicitation strategies for foundation and corporate prospects capable of supporting Engineering’s strategic initiatives.
• Identify foundation funding opportunities aligned with Engineering research, innovation, and educational priorities.

Major and Principal Gifts

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 65–75 high-capacity prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Lead full donor lifecycle activities, from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure.
• Conduct 15–20 solicitations at the $100,000+ level each fiscal year.
• Achieve progressive fundraising growth, with a target range of $3–5 million annually.
• Develop and maintain an annually updated business plan identifying key prospects for solicitation in the coming fiscal year.
• Secure face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects for identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Participate in strategies for effective utilization of the Dean and senior leaders in advancing the most significant fundraising opportunities.

Professional Conduct

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all donor and colleague interactions.
• Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and discretion in complex situations.
• Approach each situation with a professional attitude by exercising good judgment, maintaining composure during challenging situations, and respecting the need for confidentiality.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development, Engineering.

This position does not have any direct reports and will work as an individual contributor.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role based in Nashville. The expectation is for this position to be on campus 1 day per week or more depending on business needs and scheduled travel.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is required.
• MBA or related advanced degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• Eight years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required.
• Five or more years of development experience preferred, ideally within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000 or more and proven participation in major-level gifts.
• Proven success managing the full donor lifecycle, from identifying and qualifying prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and gift closure.
• Proven ability to identify and engage new or previously unassigned prospects.
• Demonstrated experience with foundation relations and corporate giving programs.
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and presentation development.
• Ability to distill ideas and articulate the mission and priorities of a major research university, particularly the significance of engineering within that context.
• High level of discretion in handling confidential information.
• Experience collaborating across teams and disciplines to drive results.
• Familiarity with donor management systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in an agile, growth-oriented, and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel overnight regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.