Strategic Engineering Development Leader - Major Gifts

Vanderbilt University

Nashville (TN)

Hybrid

USD 3,000,000 - 5,000,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Senior Director of Development for the School of Engineering to lead fundraising efforts, cultivate major gift prospects, and close transformative gifts. This senior professional will manage a high-capacity portfolio and partner with engineering leadership to advance priorities that support the university’s mission.

The role emphasizes strategic identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts, with a focus on foundations, corporate partners, and

Qualifications

Eight years of relevant experience required.
Five+ years in development or fundraising in higher education preferred.
Proven success closing gifts of $100,000+ and managing donor lifecycles.
Willingness to travel overnight and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 65–75 high-capacity prospects for gifts of $100,000+.
Lead full donor lifecycle from identification to gift closure.
Conduct 15–20 solicitations at the $100,000+ level each fiscal year.
Achieve a fundraising target range of $3–5 million annually.
Develop and maintain an annual business plan identifying key solicitation prospects.