The Annual Giving Officer (AGO) is a key member of the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving team, responsible for advancing a culture of philanthropy at Western New England University by planning and implementing strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors to the Annual Fund. The AGO plays a critical role in the achievement of the Advancement Division’s goals for revenue, alumni participation, donor retention, new donor acquisition, and unrestricted/current use giving.

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, the AGO is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of constituents, with a specific focus on retaining loyal donors and re-engaging lapsed donors, encouraging first-time gifts to the University, and helping to build the major gift pipeline. The AGO collaborates regularly Advancement colleagues and campus partners to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to annual giving initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage a portfolio including strategies for discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 200-250 prospective donors. Conduct at least 20 personal contacts per month, with a focus on prospects capable of leadership annual gifts ($1,000+).
• Cultivate relationships with current and prospective Annual Fund donors through email, phone, virtual meetings, in-person visits, and other forms of engagement to move prospects through the gift cycle.
• Manage key components of WNE Gives and other event-based annual giving initiatives, including recruitment of Challenge Hosts and Sponsors; personal outreach to target constituencies, and more.
• Manage fundraising campaigns for class and group-based fundraising initiatives, as assigned. Develop and implement fundraising strategies based on data analysis and industry best practices to maximize revenue and donor participation.
• As assigned, plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events that contribute to the achievement of division goals for engagement and annual giving.
• The ideal candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills to connect current and future donors with relevant giving opportunities, ultimately inspiring action. They will bring an entrepreneurial mindset to their work, creatively solving problems while remaining attentive to detail and committed to follow-through.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with 3 days on campus and 2 days remote.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required. 2-3 years of fundraising, sales, or related experience executing face-to-face solicitations. Proven ability to communicate persuasively, build relationships, and influence others. Not afraid of a cold call. Strong organizational skills and comfort with technology – expertise in MS Excel is essential, Ellucian CRM Advance and/or iModules is a plus. Some night/weekend work is required. Driver’s license and clean driving record, with ability to travel locally (MA & CT) on a regular basis and occasional regional/national travel as needed.

Excellent fringe benefits including tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University serves 3,900 students, including more than 2,600 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy, and School of Law.

Western New England University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome candidates whose background may contribute to the further diversification of our community.

In alignment with the University’s commitment to health and safety, all Faculty and Staff are required to be vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.