Strategic Major Gifts Director

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks a Senior Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives within DAR to lead major and principal gift strategies for the Owen Graduate School of Management. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects capable of principal gifts while guiding initiatives with senior leaders.

This role manages a portfolio, partners with the Dean and Associate Dean, and drives fundraising growth toward a $3–5 million annual goal, with a hybrid work arrangement in the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; MBA preferred.
• Eight years of relevant fundraising experience; five or more years in development preferred.
• Demonstrated success soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000+ and participation in principal-level gifts.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: identify, qualify, and engage prospects for philanthropic investment and align initiatives with Owen's priorities.
• Major and Principal Gifts: manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and secure outright gifts, pledges, or planned gifts.
• Program Growth and Collaboration: support initiatives and coordinate engagement strategies across campuses and programs.
• Professional Conduct: maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and travel as needed.

Skills

Strategic fundraising

Donor lifecycle

Major gifts

Prospect development

Communication

Travel required

Education

Bachelor's degree; MBA preferred

Tools

Donor management system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks a Senior Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives within DAR to lead major and principal gift strategies for the Owen Graduate School of Management. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects capable of principal gifts while guiding initiatives with senior leaders.

This role manages a portfolio, partners with the Dean and Associate Dean, and drives fundraising growth toward a $3–5 million annual goal, with a hybrid work arrangement in the