Director of Donor Relations, Athletics

Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director, Athletics Donor Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing Vanderbilt Athletics’ development efforts by leading donor recognition and engagement strategies. This position works in close collaboration with the central Donor Relations team and other units within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to oversee key programs for athletics donors, including strategic acknowledgments, recognition initiatives such as the McGugin Society, tailored donor communications, and collaborative engagement efforts with top supporters. Through this work, the Director enhances the donor experience and fosters long-term philanthropic relationships.

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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead stewardship efforts for the National Commodore Club and McGugin Society by implementing strategic, personalized initiatives that meaningfully recognize and engage donors.

Director of Donor Relations, Athletics

Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director, Athletics Donor Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing Vanderbilt Athletics’ development efforts by leading donor recognition and engagement strategies. This position works in close collaboration with the central Donor Relations team and other units within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to oversee key programs for athletics donors, including strategic acknowledgments, recognition initiatives such as the McGugin Society, tailored donor communications, and collaborative engagement efforts with top supporters. Through this work, the Director enhances the donor experience and fosters long-term philanthropic relationships.

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. Learn more about our department at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead stewardship efforts for the National Commodore Club and McGugin Society by implementing strategic, personalized initiatives that meaningfully recognize and engage donors.

• Serve as the primary liaison for McGugin Society members, managing event communications, premium ticketing, and parking, while providing concierge-level service to top supporters.

• Oversee athletics facility naming opportunities, including inventory management, donor communication, and execution—serving as the point of contact for qualifying donors.

• Direct the gift acknowledgment process in partnership with the central DAR stewardship team to ensure all donors receive timely, accurate, and meaningful recognition.

• Manage donor gifts, overseeing procurement and strategic distribution to enhance the donor experience and underscore the impact of their philanthropy.

• Maintain and optimize the McGugin Society tracking system to ensure tailored stewardship and sustained engagement of major gift donors.

• Monitor donor pledge schedules and coordinate with development officers to ensure timely and complete fulfillment.

• Collaborate with the athletics events team to deliver high-impact donor experiences aligned with stewardship goals and the Vanderbilt Athletics brand.

• Partner with the athletics communications team to produce donor feature stories that spotlight exceptional examples of philanthropy.

• Ensure proper stewardship of endowed scholarships by working with the financial aid office to assign student-athlete recipients and deliver timely impact reporting to donors.

• Work closely with athletics development officers to create personalized stewardship plans and unique engagement opportunities for high-level donors.

• Explore and implement innovative approaches to donor stewardship and engagement, leveraging industry best practices and insights from peer institutions.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Athletic Director, Senior Director Strategic Priorities, Athletics.

This position will have management responsibilities for a Development Coordinator, Donor Relations Athletics.

Work Environment: 

This role is required to be on campus every day, Monday - Friday.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• 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

• Evening and weekend work, as needed, including attending athletics events.

Required Skills

• Community Building - VU
• Constituent Relations - VU
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software - VU
• Data Privacy Laws - VU
• Data Visualization - VU
• Donor Relationship Management - VU
• Engagement Marketing - VU
• Event Management - VU
• Event Planning - VU
• Stewardship - VU

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.

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.

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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Job Info

• Job Identification 10008670
  
• Posting Date 07/30/2026, 08:39 PM
  
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
  
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
  
• Job Schedule Full time
  
• Job Shift Day
  
• Job Category Development & Alumni Relations
  
• Job Function Donor Relations and Events
  

• Management Level Individual Contributor 3

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