The division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) includes three major areas: Development, Alumni Relations, and the Career Development Center. As a part of DAR, the Annual Fund Program Manager’s role is to secure annual unrestricted and designated funds through the cultivation and solicitation of alumni, parents, and friends. This position is dedicated to maximizing annual gifts and identifying potential leadership donors through the use of personal solicitations, stewardship, and relationship building with individual donors and volunteer networks. Additionally, this person will closely collaborate with his/her supervisor and colleagues in the development and implementation of fundraising efforts centered around affinity and demographic groups such as Reunion, Young Alumni, Faculty/Staff, Student Philanthropy, Regional Business, and others.

All Development and Alumni Relations staff members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Job Duties:

Programmatic:

• With supervisor and colleagues, develop, implement and manage fundraising efforts designed to increase dollars and participation for Reunion and other giving programs. Will also develop, track, and report progress on financial and participation goals for discrete fundraising efforts.
• Identify, recruit, manage, and communicate with giving volunteers dedicated to specific fundraising efforts. Partner with Alumni Relations to coordinate volunteer efforts.
• Ensure all efforts communicate consistent messaging to pre-defined audiences, are timed appropriately, and are done in collaboration with Annual Fund Communications/ Outreach, Alumni Relations, and other colleagues.

Portfolio Management and Fundraising:

• Generate unrestricted and designated support toward an annual financial goal through the solicitation of an assigned portfolio of prospects through face-to-face visits and telephone. May carry up to 100 prospects in the portfolio.
• Manage all aspects of portfolio including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned prospects.
• Organize efficient trips for the purpose of meaningful and strategic donor interactions each fiscal year within assigned geographical regions. Travel may include 35-50 visits per year. Travel should be focused on individual solicitation and donor qualification and must stay within an allotted travel budget.
• Participate in regular individual portfolio review and group sessions related to portfolio management and strategic travel.
  • Work closely with supervisor and collaborate with internal departments including but not limited to Leadership Giving, Gift Planning, Prospect Research, and Alumni Relations to develop comprehensive strategies for assigned prospects.
  • Work creatively, thoughtfully, and strategically to ask and secure increased gifts from an assigned portfolio of Annual Fund donors, and to develop a prospect pipeline of alumni to be considered as leadership and planned giving targets.

Documentation:

• Develop proficiency with database tools.
• Enter all pertinent information including descriptive contact reports, future steps, and plans within designated time frame.
• Maintain up-to-date information in the database on significant prospect contacts regarding solicitations and evaluations including rating recommendations, prospect interests, and demographic changes.

General:

• May serve as a staff liaison to one or more alumni affinity groups, programs, and/or designated funds (including volunteer efforts if necessary) supporting efforts both on and off campus.
• Participate in division-wide and university-wide events, committees, and project teams to advance priority projects of the University.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of successful fundraising experience, equivalent sales experience, or proven work in a related field. The individual must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed using a combination of skills and experiences.
• Prior experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Demonstrates organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks concurrently.
• Displays proficiency with electronic tools including (but not limited to) email, calendar software, various databases, and/or Microsoft Office suite.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills, ability to interface professionally, and tailor communications to diverse audiences.
• A valid U.S. driver’s license.

Other Requirements:

This position will require occasional evening and weekend work to support DAR’s signature events including significant blocks of time during the weekend events. This position will also require a commitment to travel (sometimes frequently, and may include flying), so the successful person needs to be able to organize efficient, productive itineraries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree.
• Direct experience with fundraising, particularly conducting personal solicitations in a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and the ability to develop strategic plans, set objectives, and achieve program goals.

Physical Demands:

May be necessary to lift and transport up to 25 lbs. for specific event support such as donor/volunteer recognition gifts.

Bucknell University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. Bucknell University believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who are committed to Bucknell’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Bucknell University is a private, highly ranked, national liberal arts institution that also offers strong professional programs in engineering, business, education, and music. Located in Central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River, Bucknell is nestled in the Borough of Lewisburg, an architectural gem that has been ranked as one of America’s best small towns.

Bucknell is a NCAA Division I (FCS) and Patriot League member institution, that sponsors 27 varsity athletics programs.