The Assistant Director of Annual Leadership Giving (AD) reports directly to the Bryant Fund Director.  S/he collaborates directly with the Director of the Bryant Fund and Senior Development Management to set annual and long-term goals and priorities, and advance and monitor the progress of the annual leadership giving program. The AD  is accountable for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual leadership donors among Bryant’s alumni, parents, and friends. The AD will also help to identify and qualify major and planned gift prospects, engage potential leadership contributors on a national basis, determine their interests and match them to the needs of the University, and assist these individuals in making leadership gifts ($1,000 – $24,999). These efforts will be critical to building Bryant’s major and planned gift and leadership gift pipeline of donors and its overall success in the coming years.

Principal Accountabilities: 

•  The AD supports Bryant’s specific goals for enhancing alumni engagement and participation, increasing the number of donors at and above the Bryant Leadership Council of Donors ($1,000+), and building the pipeline of major gift and planned giving donors.
• Under the direction of the Bryant Fund Director, and in close collaboration with the Executive Director of Development and other members of the Development team, the AD is responsible for the design and implementation of a strategic annual plan focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parent and friend leadership giving prospects ($1,000+).
• In support of the overall effort to build the prospect pipeline, and in close collaboration with the Director of the Bryant Fund and Executive Director of Development, the AD will help to identify and qualify major and planned gift prospects for reassignment within the Development Department.
• Working in close collaboration with respective program managers, the AD will solicit for acquisition, renewal and/or increase leadership level donors/memberships to the Wall Street Council, the Bryant Parents Council, Black & Gold Athletics, Partners in Scholarship, Bryant Leadership Council, and reunion class giving, among others.
• Manage an extensive pool of assigned leadership gift prospects and suspects with a goal of securing contributions on an annual basis at a level commensurate with the ability of the individual, and serve as the primary Bryant contact through personal visits, digital and direct mail, and attendance at cultivation events, etc.
• Participate in developing appropriate prospect cultivation strategies, determining potential giving opportunities and optimal gift levels; provide regular reports of all activities through designated reporting methods and inputting information in the Development database.
• Meet assigned goals for prospect visits and dollars to be raised as determined annually.
• Effectively motivate and collaborate with staff to work as a team in meeting all individual and Departmental goals, and ensuring that practices are in compliance with the spirit and intent of the University’s policy on diversity and EEO/AA guidelines.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of University programs and priorities and its administrative and financial organization.
• Have a willingness/ability to travel, work outside of regular business hours, and to assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: 

This position requires an undergraduate degree with at least 3-5 years of demonstrated success in fundraising and capital campaigns, preferably in a higher education setting.  The AD preferably has experience in recruiting, motivating, and managing volunteers in successful fundraising efforts; the ability to plan and think strategically; be detail-oriented and prioritize projects. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with prospects, donors, and members of the Bryant community are essential.  Microsoft Office Suite and CRM Ellucian Database experience is a plus. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities.

Working Environment: 

Bryant University recognizes that its position as a leader in higher education is greatly determined both by the diversity of its campus community and its intellectual endeavors. Its commitment to link academic and social diversity for the benefit of the learning and living environment reflects its belief that excellence and diversity are mutually reinforcing objectives. We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive campus community, one that values individual difference and fosters greater understanding of the many facets of diversity and other distinctive characteristics that make us different. We encourage applications from candidates with an appreciation for and understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Work Hours: 

Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:30