Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving supports the strategic planning and execution of St. John’s University’s annual giving program, focusing on increasing alumni and donor participation, retention, and giving levels. This position helps drive multi-channel fundraising campaigns and engages campus partners and volunteers to build a strong culture of philanthropy across the institution.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Coordinate fundraising efforts for the Student Philanthropy program with the primary goal of creating student awareness and engagement activities and a long-term goal of raising participation in annual giving from current students and soon-to-be alumni.
• Collaborate with representatives from Institutional Advancement and offices across campus.
• Develop and implement direct mail strategies to effectively engage with our target audience and achieve fundraising goals.
• Manage the entire direct mail process, including data segmentation, print production, and postage coordination.
• Ensure accuracy and quality control of all direct mail materials, including letters, brochures, donation forms, and envelopes.
• Track and analyze the performance of direct mail campaigns and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Coordinate with outside vendors, such as printers and mail-houses, to ensure timely delivery and cost-effective execution of direct mail appeals.
• Execute all phone program operations, including outbound fundraising calling to alumni, parents, and friends, and selected event-related calling.
• Demonstrate exceptional proficiency in the use of the phone program technology as well as management and training of student callers and student supervisors.
• Establish and maintain a positive, enjoyable workplace that contributes to student engagement while utilizing technology to run the phone program effectively.
• Provide creative and innovative solutions to contact rate, fulfillment, and other challenges of implementing a phone program.
• Prepare reports on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Increase participation from alumni, friends, current students, and parents of current students.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook/e-mail programs.

Competencies:

• Detail-oriented with strong project management skills.
• Results-driven with the ability to analyze data and adjust strategies.
• Creative thinker with a collaborative spirit.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Passion for higher education and philanthropy.
• Be able to meet deadlines and handle multiple responsibilities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or alumni relations, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Must possess an understanding of annual fund strategies and experience with Phonathon program operations and management; knowledge of emerging trends; an analytical mind and team-oriented style; and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must have skills and understanding of computer software used in the Phonathon program.
• Must have experience working in a fast-paced office environment where writing and editing are central to the position.
• Must have skills in customer service and handle donor questions and concerns in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating or executing multi-channel fundraising or marketing campaigns.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Ellucian, Salesforce, etc).
• Understanding of fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies.
• Applicable sales and marketing experience a plus.

Salary:

$66,300. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.