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Director of Reunion and Classes

Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN · 1 mo ago
Full-time

About the Role

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 Associate Directors. This role oversees complex alumni‑centric programs with multiple stakeholders, requiring strong project management, communication, marketing, and volunteer recruitment skills. The Director continuously improves and amplifies the program, enhancing reporting, processes, and marketing efforts to engage alumni, drive annual giving participation, and increase attendance at Reunion/Homecoming weekend.

About the Department

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) supports Vanderbilt University by securing the human and financial resources needed to achieve its mission. DAR is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives align with Vanderbilt’s teaching and research programs.

Responsibilities

  • Drive development and planning for undergraduate Reunion and class‑based programming, data reporting, and volunteer management.
  • Lead a team of four Associate Directors who recruit and manage peer volunteers for reunion classes and complementary non‑reunion years.
  • Execute a plan to increase the number and impact of volunteers, boost attendance at Reunion and Homecoming, and raise annual giving participation.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Class and Community Engagement to set strategy and vision, analyze data and metrics, and oversee a small cohort of volunteers as needed.
  • Manage and engage over 400 volunteers, handling identification, recruitment, day‑to‑day communication, and management to foster connection to Vanderbilt and encourage alumni giving.
  • Design and implement a focused plan to grow annual giving participation from undergraduate classes through increased volunteer outreach and peer‑to‑peer Reunion solicitation.
  • Drive engagement, philanthropy, and ambassadorship between milestone Reunion years via a holistic Class Agent program that includes communications, class books, and peer‑to‑peer outreach.
  • Collaborate with the University Ceremonies and Events team to plan and execute Reunion and Homecoming.
  • Partner with Marketing and Communications to manage promotion, including marketing calendar, print pieces, emails, social media ads, website content, photography, and video.
  • Work with Advancement Information Services to innovate and streamline data reporting and analysis.
  • Coordinate with the Development Team to identify and recruit volunteers, solicit annual gifts, and ensure 100% volunteer participation.
  • Partner with the Development Team to drive milestone Reunion giving, participation, and the annual giving donor pipeline; identify prospects for referral to discovery and major‑gift pipelines.
  • Serve as liaison to Professional School partners to coordinate the Reunion experience for all alumni.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

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

Work Environment

The role is based in Nashville, TN, and operates in a hybrid model with an expectation of being in the office about one day per week or more, depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
  • Five or more years of relevant experience, with higher‑education experience preferred, especially in Reunion/Homecoming roles.
  • At least two years of supervisory experience.
  • At least two years of direct experience managing volunteers.

Skills

  • Experience managing a complex program with multiple partners and stakeholders while leading and developing a team.
  • Strong project‑management abilities and clear, effective communication.
  • Technical proficiency: complex email messaging strategies, CRM navigation, AI tools, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Strong ownership and ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment for interacting with alumni, parents, friends, and employees.
  • Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as needed, with advance notice.
  • Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record; driving is an essential function of the role.

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