Job Description

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The Associate Director of Regional Engagement (New York City) leads Vanderbilt’s in-market alumni and parent engagement strategy across the greater NYC area, including support of the Vanderbilt NYC campus (VU-NYC). This role manages a portfolio of high-impact programming, strengthens community connections, and advances volunteer leadership across the region.

The Associate Director serves as the primary driver of NYC Chapter activity—overseeing programming, recruiting and developing volunteers, and ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities that connect alumni, parents, students, and friends to Vanderbilt.

In close partnership with DAR colleagues and university stakeholders, this role also leads advance planning and execution of Alumni and Parent Engagement events, supports Annual Giving initiatives, and facilitates campus-based collaborations that deepen engagement and generate philanthropic support.

This is a highly collaborative, externally facing role requiring strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute high-quality events and experiences.

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 identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. More information can be found here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Regional Engagement Strategy and Programming

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution of NYC Chapter programming to expand and deepen engagement across alumni, parents, students, and friends
• Partner with the Anchor Events team and local volunteers to deliver a dynamic annual calendar, including signature programs such as Networking Night, Commodores in the Community, Welcome to the City, Commodore Launch, and Vanderbilt & You
• Serve as forward operations lead for additional team event logistics, including venue and event logistics research, consultation, and collaborative execution with team partners to deliver seamless, high-quality events and engagement experiences (i.e. Parent events, Admissions and Career partnership programs)

Volunteer Leadership and Pipeline Development

• Recruit, train, and steward a diverse pipeline of chapter volunteers, fostering leadership development and succession planning

• Build strong relationships with chapter volunteers through one-on-one, small group, and large-scale interactions

• Equip chapter volunteers with tools, guidance, and support to drive successful engagement initiatives

• Serve as a collaborative frontline engagement manager to recruit, engage, refer and thank volunteers across other areas of Alumni and Parent Engagement and Annual Giving as needed

Annual Giving Support

• Partner with Annual Giving teams to execute in-market activations, including Giving Day and targeted specialty campaigns
• Identify and refer engaged constituents to development partners, supporting pipeline growth and philanthropic outcomes

Campus and Partner Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison to VU-NYC, supporting initiatives such as Welcome Week, Lifelong Learning, and other campus-based programs
• Represent Alumni and Parent Engagement & Annual Giving in select meetings, contributing to partnership development and program ideation
• Support VU- NYC campus visits for constituents and volunteers as needed

Measurement and Data Integrity

• Maintain accurate and timely records of engagement activity to support measurement and reporting
• With Senior Director, develop and deliver data-driven, compelling action updates for leadership

Additional Expectations

• Evening and weekend work required based on event schedule
• Travel required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

This position will report administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Regional Engagement, based in Nashville, TN.

Work Environment:

The Associate Director is expected to reside in New York City, or surrounding Metro areas.

This position will require routine travel within the assigned region, and presence on the Vanderbilt-New York City campus. Also, it will require returning to Vanderbilt campus in Nashville, TN approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs. Evening and weekend work will be requested as needed.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, isnecessary

Experience and Skills:

• Two years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, isnecessary.

• Experience in Volunteer Management preferred, with a background in a higher education setting

• Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communications skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential

• Thrives in a cross-collaborative environment, driving forward goals thorough innovative thinking and creative solutions

• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when working with alumni, parents, friends of the university, andemployees

• Ability to adapt to and use current computer technologies, as well as Salesforce, Event/Project Management tools/systems and Vanderbilt’s donor management system required

• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.
• 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. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.