Chatham University’s Office of University Advancement is seeking a talented, collaborative individual to serve as Assistant Director of Annual Giving Communications. The Office of University Advancement cultivates, strengthens, and stewards relationships with the University’s alumni, donors, students, and other constituents. Our work supports a diverse network of more than 17,000 living alumni and 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students through fundraising, professional development, and strategic engagement.

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving Communications will play a key role in setting and executing annual giving fundraising strategies, ensuring we achieve annual goals, and supporting our overall fundraising success. The Assistant Director will help coordinate direct mail efforts with our vendor, design email appeals, and manage social media communications under the leadership of the Director. One of their primary goals will be to build and launch a robust crowdfunding program that engages campus partners and supports donor acquisition efforts.

The Assistant Director will also lead our student philanthropy programs to steward and reactivate donors and build a culture of philanthropy among soon-to-be alumni. The successful candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues, constituents, and students; plan strategically and creatively with program goals top-of-mind; meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; produce deliverables with accuracy and attention to detail; and exercise sound judgement and discretion in the handling of confidential information and donor communications.

This newly vacant position will add to Chatham’s mission “to prepare students to build lives of purpose, value and fulfilling work…by preparing graduates to be informed and engaged citizens in their communities; to recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion; and to live sustainably.” Building on this mission, Chatham is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning, living and working environment for all members of the campus community.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals’ intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director in planning, directing and managing all aspects of the University’s annual fundraising program for alumni/ae, graduate alumni, friends, parents, athletics, neighbors, vendors, trustees, and the campus community to meet annual fundraising goals and to increase the participation of all constituencies. Coordinates with vendors for all direct mail solicitations to ensure effective and timely solicitations to meet program goals.
• Spearheads email appeals through Constant Contact: designing templates, managing lists, scheduling, and ultimately reporting on ROI.
• Responsible for planning and launching new crowdfunding initiatives at Chatham, with pilot campaigns designed to gain new donors for the University.
• Manages a team of two student employees who support the annual giving program and overall fundraising programs.
• Develops and executes a solicitation and stewardship plan for the senior gift program and works with senior class volunteers to achieve their fundraising goal.
• Assists the Director in the planning and execution of Chatham’s annual Day of Giving.
• Creates and executes project timelines and successfully manages multiple projects simultaneously.
• Regularly monitors results and uses data and best practices to inform strategies and test segmentation.
• Support strategic and operational planning within Advancement, as appropriate.
• Works cooperatively with the University Advancement staff and with staff in other divisions to fulfill Chatham’s mission.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years’ professional experience in fundraising, communications, marketing, or a related industry.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience building and maintaining effective relationships.
• Ability to work 1-2 evenings per week (seasonally) and 1-2 weekends per year.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience in higher education or another nonprofit setting.
• Knowledge of fundraising or direct response marketing best practices and processes.
• Experience using metrics and data to inform decision-making.
• Experience working in a donor database or CRM system.
• Experience working with email marketing platforms.
• Experience shooting and editing video content, especially for social media.
• Graphic design knowledge/experience

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional writing, marketing collateral, and/or media samples.
• Contact information for three professional references

Chatham University offers competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, including tuition remission for qualified personnel, and a generous retirement plan.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.