Vanderbilt Health

Director of Development, Children's Health

Vanderbilt Health • $85K — $100K *
Nashville, TN 37211In-Person
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of experience in fundraising or related field.
  • 7+ years of fundraising experience preferred.
  • Experience securing or managing individual gifts of $5,000 to $25,000 or greater preferred.
  • Familiarity with donor stewardship and recognition programs preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a portfolio of mid-level donors to secure annual and multi-year commitments.
  • Identify and engage new prospective donors within the Nashville community.
  • Partner with hospital leadership to align donor interests with funding priorities.
  • Collaborate with major gift teams to transition mid-level donors into the major gifts pipeline.
  • Utilize data analytics and CRM tools to track donor interactions and manage prospect activity.
  • Implement comprehensive stewardship plans to strengthen donor loyalty and retention.
  • Coordinate targeted fundraising initiatives and community outreach efforts.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness offerings.
  • Disability and retirement benefits.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Full Job Description
Organization:
Development

Job Summary:
The Vanderbilt Health Executive Search Team is conducting a national search for a Director of Development, Children's Health. The Director of Development is a frontline fundraiser focusing on mid-level gifts for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. This role will actively engage prospective donors and families within the Nashville community, cultivating relationships and collaborating closely with colleagues at Monroe Carell. This position will be responsible for growing this important donor group, identifying new prospective donors, and supporting major gift pipeline development. This position requires exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and a passion for improving pediatric care through philanthropy.

Shift: First Shift; Days

Role Accountabilities:
  • Lead and manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects with a focus on securing annual and multi-year commitments in the $5,000-$25,000 range; develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to deepen engagement and increase giving.
  • Identify, qualify, and actively engage new prospective donors within the Nashville community and beyond, including grateful patient families, community leaders, and emerging philanthropists, to grow the mid-level donor pipeline.
  • Partner closely with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital leadership, physicians, and clinical staff to uncover compelling funding priorities and align donor interests with institutional needs, enabling meaningful philanthropic investments in pediatric care, research, and programs.
  • Collaborate with gift officers, major gift teams, and advancement leadership to strategically transition high-potential mid-level donors into the major gifts pipeline, ensuring a strong continuum of donor development.
  • Utilize data analytics, donor insights, and CRM tools to track and manage prospect activity; ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions, movement through the pipeline, and timely execution of next steps.
  • Oversee and implement comprehensive stewardship plans, including personalized communications, donor impact reporting, campus visits, and engagement events, in partnership with Strategic Communications to strengthen donor loyalty and retention.
  • Coordinate and support targeted fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects that advance Monroe Carell's strategic priorities, including participation in hospital events, community outreach, and donor recognition opportunities.
  • Work in collaboration with Community and Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Digital and Direct Marketing, and other development teams to identify cross-functional giving opportunities and align strategies for donors with diverse philanthropic interests.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mid-level fundraising strategies and programs; regularly assess performance metrics and adjust approaches to maximize donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth.
  • Ensure consistent, high-quality donor experiences by maintaining proactive communication, timely follow-up, and thoughtful relationship management practices.
  • Represent Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the community, serving as an ambassador for its mission and philanthropic priorities.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends and best practices in fundraising, particularly within healthcare and mid-level giving programs, to inform strategy and innovation.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment that aligns with VUMC's core values and commitment to excellence.
  • Fulfill responsibilities that may require travel, as well as evening and weekend availability for donor meetings, events, and hospital-related activities.


Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to convey commitment and passion for VUMC while always representing the Medical Center in a professional manner.
  • Experience making cold calls and personal, face-to-face solicitations.
  • Ability to develop interpersonal relationships and collaborate effectively with multiple diverse constituencies.
  • Ability to compose high-quality written communications, correspondence, reports, and other documents with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work on a team that emphasizes measurable objectives, including mutually agreed upon targets for fundraising goals. Competence in database utilization and a variety of software programs used to track solicitation efforts and results.
  • Must take initiative, be personally accountable for work, and be a problem solver.
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Ability to work well in high pressure/touch customer service situations and work well under deadlines while balancing multiple deadlines simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of industry best practices in healthcare/other non-profit fundraising and annual giving.
  • An employment history highlighted by a demonstrated ability to exercise interpersonal sensitivity and judgment with colleagues, donors, and the public.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of experience
  • undefined


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of fundraising experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience securing or managing individual gifts in the range of $5,000 to $25,000 or greater strongly preferred.
  • Experience with donor stewardship and recognition programs strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with annual giving programs strongly preferred.
  • Experience in non-profit fundraising, health care advancement, and/or a related field development experience, including annual or membership campaigns, is preferred.
  • Demonstrated success engaging leaders and volunteer partners in the development of meaningful and productive relationships with prospects and donors strongly preferred.


#LI-JC1

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level:
3 years

Education:
Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

About Vanderbilt Health

Vanderbilt Health provides a range of healthcare services, including treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. The organization operates multiple locations with convenient hours throughout Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt Health offers features such as self check-in and an appointment waitlist to enhance patient convenience. The organization also provides medical records upon request. Patients and their families seek Vanderbilt Health's services for both routine needs and serious health concerns.

Vanderbilt Health Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the job opportunities at Vanderbilt Health, a leader in medical excellence and innovation. Vanderbilt Health offers a unique chance to join a professional team committed to transformative healthcare services.

Work You’ll Do

Join Vanderbilt Health’s esteemed team to assist in pioneering advancements in healthcare and improving patient outcomes across the globe. This is where expertise meets innovation in a rich environment of diversity and leadership. Engage in meaningful work that pushes the boundaries of medical research and patient care, with a focus on digital transformation and technological integration.

Vanderbilt Health Employment Opportunities

The team is actively building a robust employment framework that supports both seasoned professionals and those seeking entry-level positions through internships and diverse job opportunities.

Innovate and Lead

At Vanderbilt Health, every position benefits from the culture of innovation and leadership. The company is home to a dynamic team of over 20,000 dedicated professionals who bring their unique skills to the forefront of healthcare challenges.

Grow and Develop

Vanderbilt Health is not just a healthcare provider but a hub for professional growth and career advancement. With comprehensive benefits, continuous diversity training, and unmatched professional development programs, individuals can future-proof their careers in the healthcare industry.

Explore Career Paths

From clinical roles to administrative positions, Vanderbilt Health offers a spectrum of career paths. The company values the growth of its team members through leadership training and opportunities for networking within the medical and academic fields.

The Vanderbilt Health Commitment

With a commitment to leadership in healthcare innovation, Vanderbilt Health provides a platform where professionals can thrive in their careers. The company fosters a culture of growth and learning, supported by a community that values diversity and inclusion.

Stay Connected

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Discover open positions that align with your skills and interests. Vanderbilt Health seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players for various roles across the organization. SEARCH VANDERBILT HEALTH JOBS

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Learn more about Vanderbilt Health
Size
10,001 employees
Industry
Hospitals & Medical Centers
* Ladders Estimates

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