The Air Force Academy Foundation (“Foundation”), in support of the Academy, seeks a dynamic and creative professional to serve as the Assistant Development Director for Class Giving that will report directly to the Director of Class Giving. This individual will serve as a member of the development team and be a vital piece to the success of our comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Defining Our Future”. This campaign has a goal of raising over $270m in support of a variety of programmatic and capital Academy priorities. The Foundation serves as the largest fundraising organization for the Academy and this individual will join a team committed to growing philanthropic support of one of the nation’s premier institutions.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Understand, uphold, and promote the ethical standards and core values of the Academy and the Foundation.
• Learn and understand how the Foundation interacts with the Academy and other Academy-related nonprofit organizations that support various areas of USAFA.
• Assist and support a premier class giving program that maximizes donor support while also creating opportunities to foster life-long engagement and affinity.
• Assist in the development and execution of annual strategic, solicitation, and communications plan to establish and achieve the overall program goals.
• Collaborate with the annual giving, major gifts, and prospect management teams to identify and recruit volunteers for assigned classes.
• Present pre-approved fundraising projects to class committees and assist with class project selection.
• Develop and coordinate solicitation strategies with Senior Vice President, Development, Vice President, Development, Director of Class Giving, Director of Annual Giving, and other functional areas as required.
• Execute outreach directly to members of assigned classes to solicit gifts.
• Oversee day-to-day volunteer management to facilitate peer-to-peer outreach to grow engagement and to make gift solicitations.
• Work creatively to cultivate and steward volunteers in unique and personal ways to grow their engagement and commitment to the Academy.
• Lead all operational tasks associated with supporting class giving volunteers and committees.
• Collaborate with Data Analytics and Reporting Specialist to produce relevant reports and analysis for both internal and external constituents.
• Respond to graduates, volunteers, and Foundation staff inquiries accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Consistently document and carefully coordinate volunteer and donor engagement activities and any relevant movement on the donor continuum.
• Meet regularly with prospects and volunteers, including some evening and weekend work.
• Keep abreast of Air Force, the Academy, and departmental priorities, programs, personalities, and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently, which will require significant organizational skills.
• Apply initiative, creativity, and sound judgment to appropriate situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Must be able to present complex subjects in a clear and compelling manner.
• Adept at using persuasive language to promote gift opportunities.
• An ability to articulate eloquently the value of a federal service academy and the particular mission of the United States Air Force Academy, its curriculum, programs, research, aspirations, commitment to the nation, and the unique experience it provides cadets.
• A strong work ethic, a commitment to high performance and teamwork, and a proven ability and desire to reach increasingly aggressive goals. A willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues and with a diverse constituent base.
• A proven ability to meet project deadlines and maintain productive professional relationships.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Work accurately and thoughtfully under pressure.

Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of development or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of volunteer management is preferred.
• An ability to work occasional night and weekend work.
• A valid driver’s license and any related insurance are required.
• An ability to pass a DBIDS Background check for which is required in order to maintain access to the Foundation’s principal offices on the Academy.
• Individuals with service in the military, especially the U.S. Air Force, will be given strong consideration.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $52,000-$56,000. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, retirement, and paid time off for all full-time employees. In addition to our benefits package, candidates are provided the opportunity to live and enjoy one of the fastest-growing communities in the west that offers a variety of family, community, and outdoor activities.

Submission Instructions: 

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to receive full consideration. Applications can be submitted to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled.