The Associate Director of Anchor Events will be responsible for the planning, coordinating, and execution of key events, originating in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving (AE/AG). These events vary in complexity and scope.

Events programming plays an integral role in the connection of our vibrant, diverse communities. The Associate Director will work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment to coordinate and execute logistics for high-impact experiences that result in progressive engagement and philanthropic opportunities for alumni, parents, students, and friends of the global Vanderbilt network.

Anchor Events range in format and size, including virtual and hybrid programs, on-campus events, and regional engagement series. The Associate Director of Anchor Events will both manage events from beginning to end and will also consult with University partners on best event planning practices.

This position reports to the Director of Anchor Events in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as an event coordinator, managing a portfolio of events based in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. Works closely with the Director, Anchor Events and other key partners to ensure cohesive event planning across the team and serves a project lead on timelines and communications with partners.

• Responsibilities include, managing event planning and logistics, registration, webinars, budgets, vendors, timelines, run of show, and post event duties. This role continuously evaluates and improves events, utilizing data to inform decision-making and adopts technology to elevate experiences. Duties require being highly organized with the ability to adapt and prioritize as events evolve.

• Develops best practices and instructional materials for events within AE/AG. Serves as subject matter expert on preferred team/divisional event registration system and leads training of team members in relevant self-managed projects and processes. May serve in a consultative role to partners at the Divisional and University level.

• The Associate Director of Anchor Events must be able to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently, all while ensuring that key goals and deadlines are met. The Associate Director must be skilled in the use of all Office products, event registration platforms, and well versed in digital tools (e.g., Zoom/Teams/YouTube). Additional experience with project management and client management tools are a must. Experience in Salesforce is a plus.

• In addition to being a strong project manager, the Associate Director must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Further, the Associate Director should have the ability to use sound judgement in all situations. Demonstrated experience in event management and customer service is required, and experience in higher education is preferred. The Associate Director must be able to travel domestically, perform physical labor and work extended hours as needed.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent work experience, is required.

• Four or more years of development experience, or the equivalent in education and work experience, is required. Experience within higher education development preferred.

• Some evening and weekend work, as needed.

• A valid driver's license is required.

• 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.

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.

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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.