The Director of Regional and Industry Networks (RIN) will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic vision to Vanderbilt Regional Networks (“Chapters”) and Industry Networks. The Vanderbilt Chapter program has a proud history and, through its rich event programming and volunteer opportunities, serves as an integral engagement and philanthropic gateway for alumni, parents, students, and friends of the Vanderbilt community. As Vanderbilt enters our 150^th year, there is also an opportunity to deepen our impact through the development and expansion of industry networks.

Strong networks of volunteers, advocates, and ambassadors are a core function of this area. The RIN Director will drive strategy to activate alumni ambassadors through regional volunteer-driven recruitment, mobilization, and impact in support of university priorities. The Director will work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment to strategize, execute, and evaluate volunteer strategies and event programming experiences that result in progressive engagement opportunities for alumni, parents, students, and friends.

This position reports to the Executive Director for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, managing a team of up to six (6) regional engagement and industry network staff.

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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Provides programmatic RIN oversight, strategizing closely with a seasoned team that is responsible for volunteer management and events. Expands regional footprint and industry networks based on university priorities and with university stakeholder partners.
• Collaborates closely with the Director of Anchor Events to ensure events are executed seamlessly and strategically for audiences – always with an eye for customer service and continual evaluation.
• Partners with key DAR and university areas to leverage regional and industry networks in support of Dare to Grow campaign, Vanderbilt Sesquicentennial, Regional Hubs, and other university regional activities.
• Collaborates closely with Office of Career Advancement and Engagement (CAE) and DAR partners to evaluate industry networks for growth opportunities in new networks and partner areas.
• Drives strategy and execution of the RIN team’s role in volunteer discovery, mobilization, and progressive engagement, ensuring proactive communication with volunteers, including onboarding, management, and stewardship. Collaborates with DAR partners on additional cultivation and referrals.
• Works in close coordination with DAR and university partners to capture and report on regional engagement impact at Vanderbilt, including drivers in engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy.
• Expands partnerships across DAR, CAE, and Marketing and Communications, as well as additional university partners. Serves as representative in appropriate vendor relationship groups.
• Manages RIN budget processes, progress, and forecasting
• The RIN Director must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Further, the Director should have the ability to use sound judgement in all situations. Demonstrated experience in volunteer and event management is required. Experience in higher education is preferred.
• In addition to being a strong communication and team manager, the Director must be able to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently, all while ensuring that key goals and deadlines are met. The Director must be skilled in the use of all Office products. Experience with volunteer management tools and Salesforce is a plus.
• The Director must be able to travel domestically and internationally, perform physical labor and work extended hours as needed.

Education and Certifications: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills: 

• Three or more years of experience, or the equivalent, is necessary; Prefer experience with higher education development
• 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

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit: 

• Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes; and recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together.
• Shares information; communicates proactively; transmits knowledge; asks for advice and considers it thoughtfully.
• Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers.
• Expects and delivers excellence. Is proactive and focused on creative problem solving. Welcomes input to making things better. Places a high value on learning and improving.
• Is motivated. Manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track. Balances multiple, competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.

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.