Aaron Conley
About Aaron Conley
Aaron Conley is the Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at Vanderbilt University, with a diverse background in higher education, non-profit organizations, and culinary arts.
Director Of External Affairs And Partnerships at Vanderbilt University
Aaron Conley is currently the Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at Vanderbilt University, based in Nashville, Tennessee. He started this role in November 2020 and works within the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences. This position emphasizes building and maintaining strategic relationships with external partners to support university initiatives. Aaron's extensive background in higher education, coupled with his previous roles at Vanderbilt University, underscores his expertise in fostering corporate and foundation relations.
Professional Experience at Vanderbilt University
Before his current role, Aaron Conley held multiple positions at Vanderbilt University. From 2019 to 2020, he served as the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Greater Nashville Area. Prior to that, from 2018 to 2019, he was the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. These positions involved engaging with corporate entities and foundations to advance the university's mission through collaboration and funding support.
Career at The Ohio State University
Aaron Conley was also a part of The Ohio State University team, where he served as the Director of Foundation Relations from 2017 to 2018 and as an Associate Director of Foundation Relations from 2015 to 2017. In these roles, he executed strategies to strengthen relationships between the university and various foundations. His efforts contributed to securing significant grant funding and fostering sustainable partnerships.
Background in Non-Profit and Culinary Arts
Aaron Conley's career includes a blend of non-profit and culinary arts experiences. He worked as a Grants Manager and Sous Chef at Local Matters from 2013 to 2015 in the Columbus, Ohio Area, combining his grant writing skills with a passion for culinary arts. In this role, he contributed to educational programs focused on healthy living and community engagement. His culinary expertise is further highlighted by his position as a Sous Chef at 1201 Kitchen in Erie, Pennsylvania, from 2010 to 2011.
AmeriCorps VISTA Leadership and Community Service
Aaron Conley has a strong background in community service, reflected in his roles with AmeriCorps VISTA. He served as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for the Children and Youth Project of Northwest Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2010, focusing on youth development and community projects. Additionally, he worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA Reentry Specialist at The Legal Aid Society of Columbus from 2008 to 2009, supporting reentry initiatives for individuals who were previously incarcerated.
Educational Background
Aaron Conley holds a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University, where he studied Creative Writing and World Religion. His academic journey spanned from 2004 to 2008, equipping him with a broad perspective and foundational skills that support his diverse professional endeavors. This educational background complements his extensive experience in grant writing, foundation relations, and strategic partnerships in both higher education and non-profit sectors.