Position Summary

Plan, direct, and coordinate the annual solicitation activities and strategic engagement initiatives for young alumni and the WCU student body in concert with other programs in the Division of Advancement, and the Division of Athletics. Identify, recruit, and support a cadre of volunteers to take ownership of senior class and young alumni giving goals and assist the program in achieving results. Provide direct assistance in marketing young alumni and student philanthropic opportunities and executing programs devoted the annual solicitation of funds.

• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of young alumni and student giving; set appropriate goals, determine strategies, ensure implementation of strategies, assess effectiveness, and engage in process improvement.
• Develop and demonstrate a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful community. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the University. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
• Develop and coordinate young alumni and Senior Class Gift Campaign solicitations, stewardship, and messaging for direct mail, phonathon, e-solicitations, online giving, event, and peer-to-peer fundraising. Evaluate effective case for support, set goals, and evaluate solicitation methods, ensure gifts are appropriately stewarded for high rates of renewed giving and loyal support.
• Implement activities, outreach, and solicitation opportunities related to young alumni and senior class annual giving.
• Oversee the Student Alumni Association and support their peer-to-peer solicitation efforts
• Recruit, select, train, supervise, and solicit senior class and young alumni volunteers; oversee the Student Alumni Association and support their peer-to-peer solicitation efforts; build a Senior Class Gift Committee to educate their peers about philanthropy, solicit support of the Senior Class Gift Campaign through direct mail, phonathons, e- solicitations, events, and peer-to-peer fundraising, and steward these donors;
• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the WCU Alumni Association Board’s Student
• Affairs Committee
• Provide personal contact with young alumni to include phone calls, visits, and in- person meetings as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of best practices and leverage data and other information to develop young alumni and senior class solicitation strategies. Prepare, administer, and monitor the annual Senior Class Gift Campaign budget.
• Maintain related process documentation and provide statistical and other reports; recommend methods to improve the efficiency of senior class and young alumni annual giving; implement approved changes.
• Oversee young alumni outreach and engagement and lead a team of Advancement partners to cultivate those relationships.
• Work with the Director of Alumni Engagement in setting appropriate engagement goals; develop cultivation and stewardship strategies; and assess effectiveness of activities in relation to goals.
• Develops new young alumni programs and assists in supporting current events such as Legacy Pinning Ceremony, Homecoming, and Commencement.
• Participate in the full range of Advancement activities and events to include interfacing with multiple constituents such as students, alumni, parents, members of the Board of Trustees and leadership.
• Serve as a leader or member of appropriate task forces and committees and manage and coordinate special projects as appropriate.
• Utilization and documentation of work and progress toward goals in Raiser Edge Database.
• Willing to travel up to thirty percent (30%) of time, occasional evening and weekend travel is required.
• Bachelor’s degree required. 1 – 2 years in non-profit or higher education experience is preferred. Experience with student groups, volunteers is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 – 2 years in non-profit or higher education experience is preferred.
• Experience with student groups, volunteers is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach a resume, cover letter and a list of professional references to complete the application process. Please contact search chair Jonathan Brooks for questions or additional information at 828-227-2868.

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].