Business Innovation Director
Posted 9 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Executive Director Business Innovation”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 10+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- Hybrid
No salary listed for this role.
Study levelBachelor's
Study levelMaster's
Position Summary:
The Executive Director of Business Innovation oversees enterprise efforts to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and user experience across Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). This position drives strategic process improvements, technology adoption, and innovation to support DAR’s fundraising and organizational objectives.
Serving as a vital partner to DAR leadership, this role converts business needs into streamlined processes and technology-driven solutions—encouraging a culture of ongoing improvement, innovation, and flexibility throughout the organization.
About the Work Unit:
Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) advances Vanderbilt University’s mission by engaging alumni, donors, and partners to build meaningful relationships and secure philanthropic support. DAR plays a vital role in supporting the university’s strategic goals through fundraising, stewardship, and alumni engagement. The division operates in a dynamic, data-driven environment that requires strong collaboration, operational excellence, and ongoing innovation to achieve evolving institutional objectives. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Process Improvement & Innovation
- Define and lead DAR’s approach to business process improvement, aligning initiatives with strategic priorities and organizational goals.
- Partner with DAR leaders to assess current-state operations, identify inefficiencies, and design scalable, sustainable solutions.
- Develop and manage a prioritized portfolio of process improvement and innovation initiatives.
- Apply structured methodologies to drive measurable gains in efficiency, effectiveness, and service.
Technology Enablement & Digital Transformation
- Translate business needs into technology-enabled solutions that enhance operations and user experience.
- Partner with technology teams to ensure tools and systems support optimized business processes.
- Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies—including AI, automation, and workflow tools—to improve performance and scalability.
- Pilot and scale innovative solutions that support DAR’s evolving operational needs.
Operational Effectiveness & Business Alignment
- Ensure alignment between business processes, systems, and DAR strategic priorities.