Associate Director, Gift Planning

Associate Director, Gift Planning

Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly skilled development professional to serve as Associate Director, Gift Planning. This position will play a key role in strengthening Vanderbilt's relationships with donors who have included the University in their estate plans and other planned-gift arrangements.

The Associate Director will have responsibility for a defined caseload of donors, with an emphasis on gifts that are in the stewardship phase. The associate director will also develop and implement personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors. Through regular and meaningful communication, donor visits, recognition, engagement opportunities, and collaboration with Gift Planning colleagues, the Associate Director will ensure that these donors experience a high level of care and connection to Vanderbilt.

The position will also have significant responsibility for the stewardship and engagement of members of Vanderbilt's planned-giving recognition society, the Sarratt Society. The Associate Director will plan and execute Sarratt Society events, recognition activities, and other engagement opportunities, while developing personalized stewardship strategies for high-level planned-gift donors.

Working within Gift Planning and in close partnership with colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), the Associate Director will serve as a key liaison to Donor Engagement and other DAR partners. The position will help ensure that stewardship strategies for planned-gift donors are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with Vanderbilt's overall donor stewardship philosophy.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong development and donor engagement expertise, excellent communication and organizational skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to creating meaningful donor experiences. Knowledge of planned giving and experience in a complex higher education or development environment are preferred.

This position is an important contributor to Vanderbilt's philanthropic priorities and the continued growth and engagement of the University's planned-giving community.

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. Learn more about our department at

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Manage a Caseload of Planned-Gift Donors and Prospects
• Lead Planned-Gift Stewardship and Sarratt Society Engagement
• Collaborate Across Development and Alumni Relations

Supervisory Relationships :

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Gift Planning.

Work Environment:

Preference for individual residing in Nashville but open to remote work.

Education and Certifications:

• bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and Skills :

• 4 or more years of relevant development, donor relations, stewardship, alumni relations, communications, or related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, alumni, university leaders, colleagues, and other constituencies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and manage projects from concept through completion.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive donor information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to use current computer technology, including Microsoft Office applications and Vanderbilt's donor management system, VandyQuest.
• Willingness and ability to conduct personal donor outreach, including telephone calls, written correspondence, donor meetings, and follow-up.
• Willingness to travel for donor visits, events, meetings, and other activities, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education development or advancement.
• Experience working with planned gifts, planned-gift donors, or a planned-giving program.
• Experience managing a donor caseload or portfolio.
• Experience working with a donor recognition society or similar engagement program.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and engagement best practices.
• Experience working collaboratively across a complex organization with multiple constituencies and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with advancement databases and donor relationship management systems.

Core Competencies

Donor Focus Builds meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and creates personalized experiences that demonstrate Vanderbilt's appreciation for their philanthropy.

Stewardship Expertise Understands and applies effective stewardship practices to strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate impact, and encourage continued engagement with Vanderbilt.

Communication Communicates clearly, compellingly, and appropriately with diverse audiences and develops donor-centered written materials that reflect Vanderbilt's voice and values.

Collaboration Builds strong partnerships across Gift Planning, DAR, and the broader University to create coordinated and meaningful donor experiences.

Strategic Thinking Recognizes opportunities to strengthen donor engagement and develops thoughtful stewardship strategies based on donor interests, institutional priorities, and the nature of each gift.

Project Management Plans, prioritizes, and executes multiple projects and initiatives while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, and timeliness.

Judgment and Discretion Exercises sound judgment in managing sensitive donor information, complex donor relationships, and high-touch stewardship opportunities.

Initiative and Accountability Takes ownership of assigned programs, projects, and donor relationships; independently identifies opportunities and follows through on commitments.

Attention to Detail Maintains a high level of accuracy and quality in donor communications, records, recognition, stewardship plans, and program execution.

Required Skills

• Constituent Relations - VU
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software - VU
• Donor Analysis - VU
• Donor Relationship Management - VU
• Fund Development - VU
• Fundraising - VU
• Planned Giving - VU
• Prospect Management - VU
• Prospect Research - VU
• Stewardship - VU

About Us

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10008837
• Posting Date 09/09/2026, 09:20 PM
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (Hybrid)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category Development & Alumni Relations
• Job Function Development
• Management Level Individual Contributor 2