JOB DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director of Development, Vanderbilt West Palm Beach will serve as Vanderbilt University's senior development leader for the West Palm Beach campus, overseeing fundraising efforts for the academic enterprise. This is an exceptional opportunity for a high-performing fundraiser and manager to build and lead a dynamic team and drive transformational impact for Vanderbilt's newest academic endeavors in business, engineering, and technology in South Florida.
The successful candidate will be intellectual and socially curious, possessing extraordinary communication and emotional intelligence. The executive director will have political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex academic community, and the desire and ability to build bridges and strong working relationships with all members of the operation, while being deeply embedded in South Florida philanthropic community.
They will be a collaborative and innovative leader with a comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions and substantial strategic planning experience; personal success securing major and principal gifts from individual donors, foundations, and corporations; proven ability to lead and motivate development teams; and the demonstrated ability to engage both internal and external stakeholders across the dynamic South Florida landscape. They will take a relationship-based approach to their work while understanding the unique culture and opportunities present in West Palm Beach's business and philanthropic ecosystems.
The ideal candidate will design, implement, and coordinate the overall strategic vision for development and community engagement at the West Palm Beach campus, consistent with the overall development program at Vanderbilt University.
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.
About Vanderbilt West Palm Beach:
Vanderbilt West Palm Beach is a bold expansion of Vanderbilt's academic and research enterprise, designed to extend the university's impact into one of the nation's fastest growing and most dynamic regions. Anchored in business and technology, the campus features a significant presence from the Owen Graduate School of Management and the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, among other schools, advancing innovative graduate education, interdisciplinary research, and strategic industry partnerships at the intersection of management, engineering, and innovation. Positioned within South Florida's vibrant philanthropic, business, and civic communities, Vanderbilt West Palm Beach serves as a hub for collaboration, thought leadership, and transformative investment in higher education - strengthening Vanderbilt's national footprint while contributing to regional economic and technological growth.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead comprehensive fundraising strategy for the West Palm Beach campus, establishing and executing development plans for the full portfolio of academic offerings.
• Provide strategic oversight and management support to development officers responsible for fundraising activities, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and accountability structures needed to meet ambitious fundraising goals and priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects within South Florida's philanthropic communities, developing targeted strategies for donors capable of transformational gifts to support strategic initiatives.
• Serve as Vanderbilt University's primary advancement representative in West Palm Beach, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including alumni, donors, corporate partners, foundation leaders, and community influencers.
• Develop and implement community engagement strategies that position Vanderbilt's West Palm Beach campus as an integral part of South Florida's educational, cultural, and innovation landscape, supervising the associate director of community engagement.
• Collaborate closely with academic leadership, to understand programmatic priorities, funding needs, and opportunities for donor engagement that advance the West Palm Beach campus' academic and research missions.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to development staff, fostering professional development and ensuring best practices in donor relationship management and fundraising operations.
• Partner with corporate and foundation prospects whose missions align with the campus on innovation, design, technology, and creative expression, developing compelling proposals and partnership opportunities.
• Ensure seamless integration between West Palm Beach campus development activities and broader Vanderbilt University advancement priorities, maintaining regular communication with DAR development officers and leadership based at other campuses.
• Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.
The executive director of development is charged with establishing Vanderbilt University as a premier destination for philanthropic investment in higher education in South Florida while building sustainable fundraising programs that will support the long-term success of the campus.
Establish oneself as a knowledgeable staff member by:
• Learning the Vanderbilt mission and being knowledgeable about Vanderbilt's impact on higher education and society in general • Attaining an in-depth understanding of the West Palm Beach campus, their academic programs, faculty, research initiatives, and strategic priorities • Developing expertise in South Florida's innovation and creative ecosystems, understanding key players, funding trends, and philanthropic opportunities • Collaborating with DAR staff to build and maintain best practices in soliciting major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations
Enhance departmental performance standards by:
• Maintaining a level of reliability that generates stability in the West Palm Beach operation • Meeting or exceeding department performance standards and leading team members to do the same • Fostering a spirit of cooperation within the West Palm Beach team and across the broader DAR organization • Understanding and effectively communicating departmental policy and procedures to all direct reports • Upholding DAR's values and leadership principles as a key member of the leadership team
Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:
• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with the team, academic leadership, and external stakeholders • Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations • Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors, prospects, and colleagues • Representing Vanderbilt University with distinction in all South Florida engagements • Performing other duties as assigned
Work Environment:
This position must be located in or near the West Palm Beach area with the ability to be present on the campus in West Palm Beach regularly. The role requires on-site presence to build relationships within the South Florida community and provide direct support to academic leadership.
The position requires regular travel to Nashville for strategic planning and collaboration with university leadership, as well as travel throughout Florida, the northeast, and the Southeast as needed for donor cultivation and prospect management.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position has supervisory responsibility for three direct reports:
- One development officer
- One development coordinator
- One community engagement officer
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Executive Director, Transformative Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives and partners closely with academic leaders, other DAR teams, and university leadership.
Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary. • Advanced/graduate degree is preferred, particularly in fields related to arts, design, innovation, or business.
Experience and Skills:
• 10 years of relevant development experience, or the equivalent, is necessary. Preference will be given for extensive experience in major gifts fundraising within higher education, arts organizations, or innovation-focused institutions.
• At least 3 years of experience in leadership roles managing academic or development staff, with demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams.
• Deep knowledge and established relationships within the West Palm Beach philanthropic, corporate, innovation, and/or arts communities strongly preferred.
• Experience working in or with academic institutions focused on innovation, technology, design, or the arts, with understanding of the unique funding landscape and donor motivations in these sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and execute effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments, bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to initiatives in early or transitional phases.
• Ability to quickly grasp and foster synergies between Vanderbilt's academic excellence and the dynamic innovation and creative ecosystems of South Florida.
- Comfort and confidence building relationships with highly successful and philanthropic individuals, including those capable of making 7or 8-figure+ gifts, connectors, and influencers.
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes quantitative performance goals and metrics, as well as requires adaptability to quickly and ever-changing landscape of innovation and design education.
• Possess creative skills that facilitate success in an environment where critical thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem-solving are required.
• Experience in strategic planning and program development, independently setting and reaching ambitious goals, and an ability to balance multiple priorities.
- Proven capacity to inspire, motivate, and align senior leaders and fundraising teams around ambitious institutional goals.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information and in managing sensitive relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders.
• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt's donor management system.
• Superb written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal development, donor presentations, and public speaking.
• Demonstrated success in working across teams and disciplines - facilitating solutions, designing new initiatives, and driving forward priorities in complex academic environments.
• A working understanding of major gift fundraising principles with specific experience in innovation, technology, and/or arts philanthropy preferred.
• The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment while managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.
• Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies including tech leaders, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of innovation and creative education.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to work effectively within West Palm Beach's diverse communities and understanding of the unique values and priorities of South Florida philanthropists and corporate leaders.
• 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.
• Regular presence on the West Palm Beach campus is required, with flexibility for evening and weekend events as needed for donor cultivation and community engagement.
• Some travel is required, including regular visits to Nashville and occasional travel throughout the Southeast and Northeast for development activities.
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.
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.
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