The Hamilton Fund is one of the top performing college annual giving programs in the US, regularly in the top 10% and often used as a benchmark for others. With greater competition from local, regional and national not-for-profits, we are re-imagining the work to build a new path for annual giving in academia. To that end, the focus is on securing and retaining talent who are looking for a highly rewarding, fast-paced professional experience; working with a dedicated team and incredibly loyal alumni and parents.

This position is a key member of that team providing leadership and guidance for three key programs and will:

• Manage all efforts related to the 5^th, 15^th and 20^th Reunion Class giving programs including identifying, recruiting and supporting gift volunteers, and creating and implementing strategies and tactics to reach dollar and participation goals. Work is integrated with the Hamilton Fund volunteer program manager, alumni relations staff and the intern coordinator to put a team effort behind the initiative.  The first three reunions post-graduation set expectations for the future and our goal is to create an experience that remains a benchmark in the minds of our young alumni.
• Manage the Hamilton Fund Specials leadership giving program, coordinating the efforts of all Annual Fund officers to retain and upgrade gifts of $1,000 or more annually to the Hamilton Fund;
  • Cultivate relationships with and manage strategies for an individual portfolio of 200+ Specials leadership giving prospects within the Hamilton Fund. As part of this work, the successful candidate will have opportunities to qualify, steward and develop donors to secure, retain and upgrade Hamilton Fund Leadership level gifts of $1,000 or more. Opportunities for travel are included.
• Coordinate the student intern program that works hand-in-hand with the Hamilton Fund team. One of the most rewarding aspects of academic fundraising is witnessing the impact of Advancement work to the student experience. The student interns bring their stories and experience to assist the Hamilton Fund efforts. Many are building professional experience in hopes of securing philanthropic work after graduating, while others want to “give back.” In this role, a successful candidate will help shape the student internship team, shape the content of the program and coordinate their work within annual giving.

Responsibilities

• Manage all efforts related to select Reunion Class giving programs (35% of time allocation)
• Manage the Hamilton Fund Specials leadership giving program and individual portfolio (35% of time allocation)
• Manage the Solicitation and Stewardship student intern program (30% of time allocation)

Other duties as may be assigned.

Education and Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated direct fund-raising, political campaign or constituent management and/or sales experience, including program management, or comparable experience in a business, nonprofit or related setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated results-orientation and a strategic, problem-solving approach to challenges
• Ability to effectively work with colleagues
• Experience devising and managing fund-raising or similar sales programs preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, paying close attention to detail while meeting deadlines
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office required
• Capacity to master new software, especially the GiveCampus VMS platform and the Ellucian Colleague/Advancement database or its successor
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a collaborative team environment
• Commitment to equity – has developed or worked with initiatives that serve underrepresented groups
• Ability to work well within a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Commitment to personal growth and development is highly desirable
• Disposition to take initiative and be a self-starter
• Willingness and ability to travel and to work on evenings and weekends during on-campus alumni events

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hamilton College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in all areas of the campus community.