Job description
Assist faculty in the identification and solicitation of foundations and corporations that philanthropically fund biomedical research. Assist in preparing strategy, design, and execution of the
overall university fund raising effort. Assist in designing fund raising strategy, developing programs, and working with Vanderbilt University faculty and staff in the planning and execution of gift
solicitation.
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt had a vision of a place that would "contribute to strengthening the ties that should exist between all sections of our common country" when he gave a million
dollars to create a university in 1873. Today, that vision has been realized in Vanderbilt, an internationally recognized research university in Nashville, Tennessee, with strong partnerships among
its 10 schools, neighboring institutions and the community.
Preferred Skills:
The ideal candidate must possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of science and education and the principles governing Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development and Alumni
Relations. This person should have the following experience and qualifications:
- A Doctoral degree in the sciences from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred. A minimum of three years of experience in a higher education setting is desired.
- Experience in research-oriented health sciences environment is highly desirable.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding and knowledge of the research conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and its contribution to scientific and therapeutic advancement.
- Proven record of success in proposal writing; outstanding oral and written communication skills especially in the conversion of scientific and academic writing to lay language.
- Ability to create and deliver presentations that emphasize the interests, accomplishments and needs of VUMC to a wide range of audiences.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and current trends in corporate and foundation philanthropy.
- Ability to manage projects in a collaborative environment, set and reach goals, gather and organize information, and balance multiple priorities.
- Creative and interpersonal skills that facilitate success in an environment where critical thinking and teamwork are required.
Key Functions and Expected Performances:
Under the supervision of the Director of Development for Biomedical Research, the Associate Director will have the following responsibilities:
- To establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with the medical center’s major internal constituencies, which include department chairs and their division chiefs, section heads,
full time faculty and members of other key academic, research, clinical and administrative units, including the Office of Grants and Contracts, Research Office and the Office of Technology
Management.
- Support existing and establish new funding relationships between faculty members and foundations by communicating foundation funding initiatives, developing proposal strategies and stewarding
continued interactions between faculty members and foundations.
- Work collaboratively with the University’s corporate and foundation relations program and to contribute scientific expertise to enhance the success of solicitations for other schools and
University-wide initiatives.
- To assess and tap the full scope of faculty research programs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and create concise descriptions for print and electronic publications that convey the breadth
and depth of biomedical research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for potential donors.
- To cultivate, solicit, steward and manage a portfolio of major foundation donors and prospects on behalf of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- To develop proposals to foundation donor prospects, working with executive leadership and faculty to craft and execute specific solicitation strategies.
- To identify funding organizations with interests that match the strengths of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- To serve as a biomedical science information resource for individual donor solicitations by VUMC colleagues and University leaders.
- To travel as required to maintain VUMC’s relationship with donors and to cultivate new prospects.
- To carry out the University’s policies and procedures.
- To undertake other projects as assigned by the Director of Development for Biomedical Research.
- To participate in and contribute significantly to the development and implementation of the Department’s long-range strategic plan.
- To work cooperatively with other staff members in Development and Alumni Relations, particularly in the development of proposals to individuals seeking support for biomedical research.
Requirements:
This position requires Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 6 months of relevant experience.