Associate Director, Donor Relations Initiatives

The Associate Director of Donor Relations Initiatives serves as the operational leader responsible for the implementation, onboarding, and ongoing management of technology platforms to produce donor impact reporting and solicitation proposal processes. This position champions innovative strategies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation platforms, to streamline workflows and reduce manual processes, thereby increasing efficiency and accuracy. The Associate Director partners closely with DAR Communications and DAR teams to deliver training, maintain system integrity, and support data-driven fundraising objectives. This role works upwards and crosswise across our organization to facilitate collaboration on work tech tools, aiming to add value, increase adoption, and consistently iterate and improve on our strategies.

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 engagement, 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 Associate Director of Donor Relations Initiatives will:

• Lead end-to-end implementation and onboarding of the Mythos donor reporting and communications platform and other tools, ensuring alignment with departmental and university priorities.
• Maintain oversight of platform operations including monitoring performance, managing data integrity, and coordinating upgrades.
• Utilize AI tools and automation strategies to reduce manual data entry and reporting tasks, improving turnaround times and data accuracy.
• Develop, document, and continuously refine workflows related to donor impact reporting and solicitation proposal generation incorporating AI-enabled efficiencies.
• Collaborate with the DAR Communications team to seamlessly integrate Mythos outputs into communications and fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with design team partners, coordinate the development and implementation of new templates as needed that are both compelling and brand compliant.
• Provide expert support, training, and resources for DAR and Development staff to maximize platform adoption and leverage AI-powered features.
• Act as a liaison between Development Operations, DAR, and Technology Services to troubleshoot issues and implement platform enhancements.
• Analyze usage trends, donor data, and solicitation outcomes to produce actionable insights and foster process improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional meetings and project timelines to meet quality and delivery standards on platform initiatives.
• Maintain and expand a content library with precise data cataloging, supported by AI-based organizational tools where applicable.
• Lead pilot testing and rollout of new platform features or AI integrations in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure use of Mythos platform and other tools complies with data privacy, security, and institutional policies.
• Promote and implement standardized processes and procedures for Donor Relations and DAR Communications teams, optimizing cross-team collaboration.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Donor Relations Operations and does not have any direct reports. 

Work Environment:

There is a preference for this position to be in the Nashville area.  If so, it would be a hybrid work environment where the expectation is to be in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs.  

We are open to considering fully remote.  If working remote, the expectation would be coming to campus approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Advanced degree is preferred. 

Experience and Skills

• Four years of relevant experience required, ideally in higher education or a related field requiring data and systems management.
• Proven experience managing software platforms in development, fundraising, or related operational contexts.
• Strong data management, cataloging skills, and operational system implementation expertise.
• Experience incorporating AI or automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency is highly desirable.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience training users of varying technical backgrounds.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of independent work and managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated project management skills and comfort with technology integration projects.
• Familiarity with donor relations, fundraising processes, or higher education advancement is preferred.

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.