Senior Associate Director of Class Giving and Programs

Colby College Advancement: Annual Giving

Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby College is seeking a highly motivated senior associate director of class giving and programs at an exciting and defining moment in Colby’s history. This key position offers a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and transformational campaign. Reporting to the senior director of annual giving, the senior associate director will manage a portfolio of annual giving prospects from the 10th-25th reunion classes, develop multichannel high-touch annual giving campaigns, and engage a diverse network of alumni volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer solicitations in support of a 50%+ participation and $11M+ revenue goal. Working with the director of reunion philanthropy, the senior associate director will develop and execute comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and volunteer management strategies.

This role will manage the assistant director of class giving and student philanthropy and collaboratively lead the Colby Fund’s efforts to grow and transform the traditional annual giving volunteer structure and expand Colby’s engagement of millennial and young alumni. The senior associate director will have a deep understanding of best-in-class annual giving technology tools and practices to build an innovative program that supports an inclusive and connected community. As a highly visible representative of the College, the senior associate director will possess a deep appreciation for the liberal arts college experience, and a strong personal commitment to Colby's core values. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a portfolio of 200+ volunteers and prospects
• Secure at least 250 visits with alumni each fiscal year to achieve personal and team participation and revenue goals
• Direct and facilitate class giving and programs for assigned class range:
  • Set annual class dollar and participation goals and supervise class managers
  • Develop engagement strategies to mobilize volunteers in an effort to increase connections with the College to promote and foster a sense of pride among alumni classes and affinities
  • Create and manage class and affinity-based solicitations within the context of the Colby Fund including giving days, micro campaigns, and print appeals
  • Recruit, cultivate, and steward class volunteers, travel as needed
  • Coordinate and develop solicitation materials including emails, notes, texts, and thank yous for volunteers
• Engage class managers regularly; provide support, guidance, and direction of their efforts to increase the growth of their alumni volunteer base and boost Colby Fund participation through direct peer-to-peer contact
• Support the 15th, 20th and 25th reunion programs to increase engagement, attendance, and annual support with the engagement team
• Work with the senior associate director of marketing analytics, Office of Advancement Operations, and other colleagues within the Division of College Advancement to identify affinity areas of interest and additional points of evaluation, metrics, and analyses necessary for the assessment and management of Colby's alumni donors and volunteers
• Collaborate with the Colby Fund Committee and Alumni Council to foster growth and change in volunteer areas key to the mission of the College
• Develop new protocol to reintroduce clearly defined expectations for volunteers, implement streamlined communication processes, and engage volunteers throughout the year beyond the traditional solicitation calendar
• Manage the assistant director of class giving and student philanthropy and provide secondary support for the Colby Fund Ambassador and Senior Initiative programs, ensuring proper staffing and deployment of alumni engagement and solicitation strategies including student outreach
• Partner with offices across campus to create annual giving opportunities for alumni to support the goals and aspirations of these departments and the students they serve
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years working with and managing volunteers and demonstrated success in making and closing annual fund asks
• 1-3 years of experience directly supervising employees, analyzing performance, and providing feedback preferred
• Superior verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple simultaneous deadlines and to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve
• Talent to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
• Highly developed computer skills including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with fundraising software such as GiveCampus and Raiser's Edge is a plus
• Willingness to travel on a regular basis and to work nights and weekends during specific times of the year (Homecoming, Reunion, Graduation, etc.)
• Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community
• Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
• An entrepreneurial spirit and proactive attitude
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the senior director of annual giving, the senior associate director of class giving and programs will have direct contact with division colleagues and key faculty and staff members across campus. This position has significant interaction with alumni, students, faculty, staff, the public, and community.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.

 

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

 

Senior Associate Director of Class Giving and Programs - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855