Director of Reunion and Classes

The Classes and Communities Team partners with class-based volunteers to strengthen lifelong connections among alumni and with Vanderbilt. We recruit, build and activate volunteer networks, partner across Vanderbilt to execute an elevated alumni experience, create meaningful Reunion and Homecoming traditions and experiences, and drive a spirit of Vanderbilt for Life. Through a year-long planning process, our nearly 400 volunteers inspire thousands of classmates to come back to Vanderbilt and give back to Vanderbilt, driving a deeper, lifelong connection to Vanderbilt.

The Director of Reunion and Class Engagement manages the annual operating plan for undergraduate Reunion and Class Agent programs, while leading and developing a team of four team members. The Director is responsible for overseeing the direction and management of these complex alumni-centric programs with multiple stakeholders which requires a strong project management, communication, marketing and volunteer recruitment skillset. The Director will have a mindset of continuous improvement to build and amplify this program year after year, building on the program’s solid foundation to further enhance reporting, processes, and marketing efforts to engage alumni, driving annual giving participation, and increase attendance at Reunion/Homecoming weekend.

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:

The Director of Reunion and Class Engagement will be responsible for driving development and planning for undergraduate Reunion and class-based programming, data reporting and volunteer management. The Director will lead a team of four Associate Directors who will work with reunion classes and complementary non-reunion years to recruit and manage peer volunteers.  The Director will work in conjunction with team members to execute a plan designed to increase number and impact of volunteers, drive attendance at Reunion and Homecoming, and drive annual giving participation. In addition, the Director will work in collaboration with the Senior Director of Class and Community Engagement to set strategy and vision for their program, analyze data and metrics, and may oversee a small cohort of volunteers.

• Manages a team of four Associate Directors to manage and engage over 400 volunteers including volunteer identification, recruitment, and day-to-day communication and management, ultimately driving connection to Vanderbilt and encouraging their classmates to come back and give back

• Designs and implements a focused plan to grow annual giving participation from undergraduate classes through increased volunteer outreach and peer-to-peer Reunion solicitation

• Drives engagement, philanthropy, and ambassadorship between milestone Reunion years through a holistic Class Agent program including communications, class books, and peer-to-peer outreach 

• Collaborates with University Ceremonies and Events team to plan and execute Reunion and Homecoming

• Collaborates with MarComm to manage promotion (includes marketing calendar, print pieces, emails, social media ads, website, photography and video)

• Collaborates with Advancement Information Services to innovate and streamline data reporting and analysis

• Works with Development Team to identify and recruit volunteers, and to solicit volunteers as needed for annual gifts to ensure 100% participation from volunteers

• Partners with Development Team to drive milestone Reunion giving, participation, and annual giving donor pipeline; Identifies prospects for referrals to discovery and major gift pipeline 

• Serves as liaison to Professional School partners to coordinate the Reunion experience for all alumni

• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility of four Associate Directors. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Director of Class and Community Engagement  in the Office of Annual Giving.

Work Environment:

This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area. It will be hybrid with an expectation of being in the office about one day per week or more depending on business needs. 

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree, or the equivalent, is necessary

Experience:

• Five or more years of relevant experience is required

• Higher education experience required with a preference for Reunion/Homecoming roles

• At least two years of supervisory experience is required

• At least two years’ direct experience managing volunteers

Skills:

• Experience managing a complex program with multiple partners and stakeholders, while also leading and developing a team; must possess strong project management skills, communicate clearly and effectively, and navigate and collaborate with partners throughout the organization. 

• Strong technical skills; Has led complex email messaging strategies and journeys, is comfortable navigating CRM, and using AI, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

• Strong ownership; Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees

• Some evening and weekend work required, as needed, with advance notice

• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.