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Position Summary:

The Director of the Black and Gold Club will be tasked with leading the execution of an all-encompassing plan to increase engagement among athletics alumni. This position will work closely with DAR colleagues, athletics, and university partners on peer outreach, mail, email, social media, and events that will result in a more fully engaged athletics alumni community.

As part of this plan, the director will design programs that effectively recruit, equip, and motivate volunteers. Through education, engagement, and stewardship efforts, the athletics alumni programs will serve to create a community of alumni who wish to provide philanthropic support for key areas of Athletics.

In addition, this position will be responsible for assisting in the creation and execution of all aspects of the development program focused on athletics alumni.

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:

The Director of the Black and Gold Club will work with key constituencies to increase engagement in athletics through peer outreach, solicitations, events and education. This position is responsible for assisting in the design, development and execution of a focused plan to grow engagement and giving participation rates among athletics alumni and will work in conjunction with team members to execute and achieve the goals laid out in the plan.

Black & Gold Club Program:

• Direct all aspects of the athletics alumni programs.

• Execution of the development program focused on building long-term relationships with former student athletes. This includes cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of the club members.

• Grow participation among this group through increased volunteer outreach and peer-solicitation.

• Assist in developing and implementing growth strategy to increase outreach results over time.

• Works in partnership with DAR and MarComm colleagues on marketing and communications efforts that are tailored to the specific audience.

• Coordinates with the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success on programing, mentorship and internship opportunities.

• Evaluates the impact of program initiatives toward Athletics’ annual giving goals and evaluates new strategies learned to enhance the programs.

• Creation of volunteer plans for former student athletes that drive increased participation from targeted groups including higher levels of volunteer participation.

• Collaborate with other Development and Alumni Relations colleagues as necessary to execute plans.

• Develops reunions for each sport annually

• Report progress to and collaborate with senior leadership on programmatic goals, new initiatives, etc. as needed.

• Work collaboratively with other DAR Athletics teammates to ensure that projects are completed according to deadlines, with accuracy, quality, and integrity.

• Provide support to various NCC staff members working in the following areas: major gift fundraising, leadership annual giving, stewardship, communication, marketing/appeals, events, budget, and data reporting.

• Handle sensitive donor and student information in the strictest confidence, according to departmental and institutional policies.

• Maintain strong and effective relationships with Vanderbilt faculty and staff external to DAR.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:

• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt and the Athletic Department’s responsibilities to the mission.

• Attaining an in-depth understanding of the development programs and their goals in supporting the Athletic Department and student athletes.

• Engaging with athletics coaches and administrative staff to support alumni engagement goals.

Cultivate relationships with DAR staff, Athletic administrators, and Vanderbilt University as a whole. In addition, cultivate relationships with external constituencies such as alumni, parents, corporations and friends of the University by:

• Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices.

• Establishing a sound working relationship with DAR staff to enhance collaboration. This includes working with major gifts officers, LAG officers, operations/advancement services, Athletics Department leadership, reunion teams, and the DAR leadership team.

Enhance departmental performance standards by:

• Performing as a team player

• Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the department

• Meeting or exceeding department performance standards

• Fostering a spirit of cooperation

Contribute to departmental efficiency by:

• Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures

• Clearly communicating concerns and questions to supervisor and staff

• Soliciting guidance from supervisor and co-workers when uncertainty arises

• Conveying thoughts to supervisor on improving departmental performance

• Performing other duties as assigned

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results

• Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations

• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues

Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Operating a motor vehicle is a regular and necessary part of this position. A motor vehicle registration (MVR) check is routinely conducted to ensure compliance.

Work Environment:

This position will be required to be in the office every day.

Attend athletic events, including nights and weekends, routinely.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility for two Assistant Directors; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of the National Commodore Club.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree, or the equivalent, is required.

Experience and Skills:

Successful candidates will possess:

• Three years of experience, or the equivalent, is required

• Prefer experience with higher education development, preferably in Athletics

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a team environment

• Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking

• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

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

• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Some evening and weekend work, as needed

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, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

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