Job Summary: 

Under supervision of the Director of Leadership Annual Giving Programs, the Leadership Gift Officer is responsible for soliciting and securing sustaining annual gifts of $1,000 to $25,000. The primary objective of the leadership level giving program is to increase the number of donors who give annually to UC Irvine at the $1,000+ level, ultimately increasing the amount of private annual support raised each year. Concentration on renewal, upgrades and acquisition within the sustaining giving prospect pool will assist in raising more private support each year and enhancing the major gift pipeline. The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Salary: Range $66,000-70,000

Job Description: 

Solicitation of Leadership Gifts:

• Develop and implement processes and solicitation strategies for the annual solicitation of donors and prospective donors of $1,000 or more, with an emphasis on securing support for multiple campus-wide initiatives. Solicitation activities are primarily focused on personal visits. Responsible for meeting the established goals for the: 1) number of in-person visits [10-12/month]; 2) number of in-person solicitations [36 per year]; and, 3) number of recommendations of prospects to the major gifts program. Schedule personal visits from a portfolio of 150-175 special gift prospects in an effort to encourage their support of the University. The pool of prospects is fluid, often evolving, and consisting of annual donors of $1,000 or more and prospects with the capacity to give annual gifts of $2,500 or more. Manage a prospect portfolio to include all constituencies (alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff) of the University. Develop strategies for personal visits that include a solicitation, cultivation and/or stewardship activities. Qualify prospects for possible management and upgrade the major gifts program.

Daily Functions:

• Effectively coordinate with directors of development regarding unit designated giving societies and levels, events and collateral materials.
• Work with the directors of development to develop schedule of programs and activities to cultivate the interest and involvement of prospective donors.
• Work with Communications staff to generate promotional materials and brochures as needed. Prepare written proposals, informational materials, and other materials needed to secure gifts.
• Work with prospect research to develop an active list of prospective donors, including alumni, parents, business and community leaders.
• Utilize University prospect development and management system to track and report on the status of gifts and pledges.
• Participate in the campus prospect management system, development officer forums and University Advancement planning meetings.
• Responsible for compliance with all UCI policies and procedures including but not limited to solicitation and acceptance of gifts, alumni and support group policies, and naming policies.

Donor Recognition:

• Consult with the Senior Director of Donor Relations in developing ways to recognize annual donors to encourage continued support and membership in the university s annual giving recognition societies such as the societies of the various Schools and Units.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse and high-level group of individuals in a diplomatic and professional manner.
• Resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems and initiative in presenting alternatives and implementing solutions to ensure effective change. Ability to anticipate problems and take necessary action to eliminate or mitigate potential negative effects.
• Ability to be flexible in working independently as well as collaboratively with alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and volunteers to achieve defined goals. Uses initiative to organize and follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines.
• Skills to use a personal computer and computer software programs at the level of sophistication required for the University Advancement team. Proven ability to use MS Office Suite and database programs. Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with the Internet and how to conduct searches.
• Possesses traits of good judgment, confidentiality and discretion in communicating with colleagues and constituents.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising-able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle:
  • to initiate contacts with potential donors;
  • to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers and senior university administrators;
  • to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure;
  • to make solicitations when appropriate;
  • to maintain stewardship contact with donors.
• Understanding of the needs and interests of donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University.
• Ability to prepare written gift proposals, fund agreements and collateral materials.
• Responsibilities require independence and the ability to effectively respond to a variety of situations involving university constituencies.
• Well organized, focused and goal-oriented.
• Proven ability to inspire confidence to motivate and to persuade.
• May be required to drive on occasion in order to perform the routine or essential job responsibilities for the position. Travel required and weekend duties as needed. Must possess a valid California driver license and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
• Bachelor s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess between one to three years of experience personally soliciting gifts through annual fund giving activities, leadership giving, sponsorships, or memberships.
• Experience preparing and conducting solicitations via phone, correspondence and in person, including making cold calls.