Associate Director of Development, Peabody

JOB DESCRIPTION

Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University seeks an experienced and highly motivated development professional to serve as Associate Director of Development. Reporting to the Associate Dean Development, Peabody & Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Associate Director will serve as a front-line fundraiser responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects in support of the College's highest priorities.

The Associate Director will manage a portfolio of alumni, parents, friends, and other prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts generally ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. The position will develop and execute thoughtful, individualized strategies to build meaningful relationships with donors and connect their philanthropic interests with opportunities to advance Peabody College's mission and priorities.

Fundraising responsibilities will encompass a broad range of priorities, including student financial aid and scholarships, faculty support, and strategic programs and initiatives across Peabody College. These may include but aren't limited to Roberts Academy & Dyslexia Center, Next Steps, Programs for Talented Youth, Susan Gray School, and other emerging priorities.

The Associate Director will work closely with the Peabody team (4), Dean Camilla Benbow, and senior leadership of Peabody College, faculty, program and center leaders, alumni, volunteers, and colleagues across Vanderbilt's Development and Alumni Relations organization. The successful candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills, sound fundraising judgment, excellent communication abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the mission of higher education.

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. Learn more about our department at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing and executing individualized strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with alumni, parents, friends, foundations, and other prospective donors.
• Personally solicit and close major gifts, generally in the range of $25,000 to $250,000, in collaboration with the Senior Director and other university and college leaders as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain an active prospect pipeline, identifying opportunities to move prospective donors toward deeper engagement and philanthropic investment.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and activity plans in partnership with the Senior Director and contribute meaningfully to Peabody College's overall fundraising objectives.
• Conduct donor visits and participate in meetings, events, and other engagement opportunities designed to cultivate and steward donors and prospects.
• Ensure timely and appropriate stewardship of major gift donors, demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy and strengthening long‑term relationships.

Raise philanthropic support for Peabody College's strategic priorities, with particular emphasis on:

Student financial aid and scholarships;
Faculty support, including professorships, faculty development, and other…