Job Description
Department:
Class Giving and Programs
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement, the associate/senior associate director manages a portfolio of annual giving prospects for a range of reunion classes, collaborates with advancement marketing and communications and other colleagues to develop multichannel annual giving campaigns, and engages a diverse network of alumni volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer solicitations in support of a 35%–40% participation goal, a $11M+ annual giving revenue goal, and demonstrated increase of a newly implemented engagement index.
This role manages the assistant director philanthropy and engagement and collaboratively drives Advancement’s efforts to grow and transform the traditional annual giving volunteer structure and expand Colby’s engagement efforts. As a highly visible representative of the College, the senior associate director possesses a deep appreciation for the liberal arts college experience, and a strong personal commitment to Colby’s core values.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct and facilitate class giving and programs for assigned class range:
- Set annual class dollar and participation goals and support class committees in reaching annual goals
- Develop engagement strategies to mobilize volunteers in an effort to increase connections with the College to promote and foster a sense of pride among alumni classes and affinities
- Help collaborate and staff cohort-based event programming (virtual and in-person), including Homecoming, regional events, Reunion; may include event planning and RSVP management
- Create and manage class and affinity-based solicitations within the context of the Colby Fund including giving days, micro campaigns, and digital/print appeals
- Recruit, cultivate, and steward class volunteers, travel as needed
- Coordinate and develop solicitation materials including emails, notes, texts, trainings and thank you messaging for volunteers
- Management of a portfolio via prospecting and reaching an annual meeting goal for the purposes of assessment, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and engagement
- Data Management
- Engage class volunteers regularly; provide guidance and direction to increase the growth of their alumni volunteer base and boost Colby Fund participation through direct peer-to-peer contact
- Develop and maintain relationships with leaders of assigned alumni cohorts
- Manage the assistant director of class philanthropy and engagement and provide secondary support for the Senior Class Gift program
- Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, including Engagement, Marketing and Communications and Advancement Operations to identify additional points of evaluation, metrics, and analyses necessary for the effective assessment and management of assigned cohorts
- Contribute to efforts to foster growth and change in volunteer areas key to the mission of the College, including developing new protocol to reintroduce clearly defined expectations for volunteers, implement streamlined communication processes, and engage volunteers throughout the year beyond the traditional solicitation calendar cycle
- Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
- At least five years of experience in advancement or closely related field with proven experience creating and growing alumni engagement programs.
- Project management experience preferred
- Operations experience creating standards and procedures preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel experience preferred
- Demonstrated success in making and closing annual fund asks is preferred
- Experience working with staff and volunteers, the ability to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
- Previous experience supervising staff and working with volunteers
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and long-term while successfully attending to more immediate goals and tasks; strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional organizational skills, ability to consistently meet simultaneous deadlines and follow-through on assignments in a timely manner, and attention to detail
- Able to handle confidential information tactfully and exercise discretion
- Strong, self-motivated work ethic; flexibility; and proven capability to work both independently and collaboratively and constructively as a member of a diverse community
- Highly developed computer skills including extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite; Google Suite; email, web, and database applications, as well as an interest in and ability to learn new computer programs with ease and in a self-guided manner; experience with fundraising software
- A focus on teamwork, collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, workflow and effectively managing time and multiple tasks are essential
- Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e. nights and weekends)
- Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced office environment; an entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude
- Committed to working in a diverse community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations
- Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
- Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement and supervising the assistant director of class philanthropy and engagement, the senior associate director of class philanthropy and engagement has direct contact with division colleagues and key faculty and staff members across campus. This position has significant interaction with students, alumni, donors, prospects, visitors, and outside constituencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
