Job Description

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving leads the Owen Graduate School of Management’s (Owen) alumni engagement initiatives, including the production of Owen Reunion, regional alumni events, and virtual event opportunities. The Associate Director manages comprehensive communications initiatives related to annual giving and engagement across multiple channels, including the annual reunion, giving day, monthly newsletter, and calendar and fiscal year-end campaigns. The role encompasses all aspects of alumni event planning, volunteer engagement, annual fund execution, and communications to drive alumni and volunteer engagement and unrestricted financial support.

About the Work Unit

The Department of Development and Alumni Engagement (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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Reunion & Event Planning (40%):

• Lead all aspects of event planning including coordination, logistics, and management for Reunion as well as ad hoc virtual, local, and regional Owen alumni events, and the Owen Event-in-a-Box program.

  • Responsibilities include supporting alumni Event-in-a-Box hosts, selecting venues and caterers for events, budgeting, producing invitations and registration websites, monitoring and encouraging attendance, creating an amazing experience, and assisting with post-event surveys.

  • Plan and execute reunion and event communications, including data preparation, list and email management, and content editing for direct mail, email, print, web, and social media communications.

  • Monitor event ROI based on key metrics and data-driven goals and outcomes to ensure continued event improvement.

Annual Giving & Content Management (40%)

• Support the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving in executing the Owen Annual Fund strategy to increase alumni giving in both funds raised and annual support participation.

• Oversee the production of high-quality communications content for newsletters, websites, social media, annual fund solicitations such as reunion, giving day, calendar and fiscal year end, and promotional materials in partnership with the Owen and DAR Marcomm teams.

• Manage the content for Owen Graduate School of Management’s alumni pages with an active focus on developing the website as an effective and clear tool for information sharing.

• Oversee the marketing and communications content and annual fund fundraising calendar for the Owen team, ensuring timely updates and alignment with the school’s voice and branding.

• Tailor content to meet the needs of various audiences, including alumni, students, parents, etc.

• Partner with leadership to develop strategic plans for Owen alumni engagement and annual fund communications and evaluate effectiveness on a yearly basis.

• Support all event marketing, Owen alumni website, LinkedIn Owen Alumni Group, and Inside Owen alumni e-newsletter.

• Assist with Vanderbilt Business Magazine.

Volunteer Leadership & Alumni Relations (15%):

• Manage volunteer communities such as Class Secretaries and Class Agents which increase alumni giving participation and engagement through peer-to-peer outreach, and DAR Fellows (student volunteers).
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni and donors through strategic outreach and engagement activities.
• Develop strong communications with alumni through regular contact and relationship building.

Project Management & Data Administration (5%):

• Maintain volunteer lists, event calendars, timelines, and event attendance records.
• Manage information flow for Salesforce VandyQuest (Development CRM Database).
• Assist with ad hoc data analysis, reports, and requests such as alumni and donor lists.

Global Responsibilities:

• Collaborate & Engage - Partner across Owen, Vanderbilt, Development and Alumni Relations, and professional school counterparts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Some travel could be required. Some evening and weekend events as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Owen.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills

• 4 years professional experience is required, ideally in higher education, fundraising/development, communications, event planning, or sales.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills due to heavy interaction with high level alumni executives.

• Proficient in utilizing CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), databases, and other relevant software to manage and analyze alumni data and engagement efforts.

• Service mentality – a spirit of hospitality; enjoys being of service to alumni, faculty and staff.

• Strategic thinker – enjoys flexing strategy, innovation, and creativity muscles. Thought partner for Senior Director that can brainstorm strategy, embrace feedback and take direction.
• Ownership mentality – proactively anticipates what needs to be done.
• Executively mature - Applies sound judgment in all situations.
• Experience with planning and implementation of events and programs.
• Strong volunteer outreach and engagement skills (including written and in-person interactions).
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, meets deadlines, and adapts to changing priorities.

• Strong relationship building skills.

• Analytical approach – ability to analyze data and find actionable insights.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

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. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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.