This position is responsible for raising funds through the annual giving programs, such as direct mail, phone-a-thons, and individual solicitations, and planning and executing events, with particular care given to alumni participation. The Annual Gift Officer will be responsible for identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual annual gifts, and contributing to creating an environment to build the culture of philanthropy and student education and involvement in philanthropy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities/Functions: 

• Provides key management of the donor pipeline with an emphasis on alumni participation and consistent, annual gifts.
• Develops and executes a strong leadership gift program with an emphasis on developing a pipeline of donors for the I.V. Williamson Society ($1,000-$2,500) through cooperative work with the Advancement Officers, Alumni Relations Director and peer-to-peer volunteers.
• Maintains a portfolio of donors within the I.V. Williamson Society ($1,000-$2,500) with the goal of moving them toward major gift solicitations.
• Develops individual gift proposals, donor prospect research, and cultivation initiatives. This will involve execution of fund-raising strategies, such as facilitating donor visits.
• Designs, conducts, and evaluates annual campaigns such as the Employee Giving Campaign, Back to School Appeals, Giving Tuesday, and other appeals to increase participation, attract new donors, retain and upgrade current donors, and produce increased net return.
• Creates direct mail material and manages the program including selecting appropriate vendors and managing ROI to meet industry standards.
• Develop and execute an on-line giving program and e-mail fundraising initiative.
• Manages annual Phonathon initiatives with students and/or alumni.
• Builds a student culture of philanthropy through multiple initiatives, including an on-campus speaker series for students and senior class (ie, Stabler) gift pledges, with an eye toward maximum giving participation from seniors.
• Works with Class Fund Chairs and Reunion Committees to increase alumni giving participation.
• Records all actions in Raisers Edge and utilized database to identify prospects and record actions and campaigns.
• Maintains current knowledge of best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Skills and Abilities Required): 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Proficiency in the use of computers and databases
• Successful project management experience with proven ability to work independently
• Progressive experience using electronic media as a means to communicate and engage others
• Proven ability to motivate and oversee volunteers
• Past experience in developing new projects or program plans.

Working Conditions: 

• Extensive computer work.
• Works in a clean, well-lighted, temperature-controlled environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Student Ambassadors/Volunteers