The Development Coordinator supports the Owen Graduate School of Management's (Owen) fundraising and alumni engagement efforts within the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) department. This role provides essential administrative support to the team, such as calendaring, travel planning, and expense reports, while also assisting with event logistics, donor communications, data management, and project coordination. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and ad hoc requests. 

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. You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Administrative Support & Operations

Daily calendaring/scheduling, travel planning, and expense reports for Associate Dean, as well as other management team members, as needed. Coordinate schedules and prepare materials for meetings, including prospect management reviews and donor updates. Manage daily reminders for upcoming tasks and next steps for prospects, ensuring timely follow-up on open opportunities. Track and record donor activities in the donor management system, VandyQuest, on behalf of Associate Dean and others, as needed. Generate ad hoc reports and requests regularly. Support the preparation of materials for leadership meetings, ensuring reports and documents are clear, accurate, and aligned with organizational objectives. Provide logistical and administrative support for key development and alumni engagement activities, including events such as Owen Event-in-a-Box, Reunion, and Closing Bells.

Collaboration & Communication

Regularly meet with the Associate Dean and Owen management team to review upcoming projects, donor engagement strategies, and key deadlines. Collaborate with team members on special projects, providing administrative support and helping to resolve challenges as they arise. Act as a liaison between the Owen team and external stakeholders, maintaining strong communication with the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Owen and other key staff.

Project Management

Maintain confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Conduct research to support donor engagement strategies, providing relevant data from the donor management system. Manage the distribution of weekly donor acknowledgment letters and other communications on a regular basis. Review and edit reports, presentations, and other materials for accuracy and quality.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, Owen, but will partner closely with the rest of the Owen development team, specifically the administrative needs of the Associate Dean. 

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid role based in Nashville – in the office approximately 1 day per week depending on business needs. 

Education and Certifications:

An associate degree, or the equivalent, is necessary A bachelor’s degree is preferred

Experience and Skills:

Two years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is preferred Prefer experience within higher education  Excellent interpersonal management skills Confidentiality and discretion are a must Must have a professional attitude, and exhibit considerable tact, persuasion, and judgement in interactions with internal and external constituents Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word Affinity for mastering new computer programs and database management Demonstrated ability to work successfully with high-level executives Ability to make independent decisions Excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent customer service skills Excellent project management skills with ability to multi-task Ability to handle crisis situations and perform well under pressure Position requires flexibility to work nights and weekends when needed Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

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.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.