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Leadership Annual Gift Officer, Alumni Philanthropy

Employer
Colby College
Location
Maine, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Closing date
Jan 23, 2022

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College Advancement: Leadership Annual Giving
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Over the past five years, outreach efforts to communicate the value and impact of a Colby education have resulted in more than doubling the number of students seeking admission to Colby and setting several institutional records for funds raised. Major initiatives made possible through Colby’s campaign, Dare Northward, are enriching the student experience and positioning Colby’s home city, Waterville, as a destination for the arts and culture.

 

Propelled by visionary leadership, a compelling array of initiatives, and record fundraising in fiscal year 2017, Colby  launched the largest fundraising campaign ever at a liberal arts college—$750 million—in October 2017. With the success of the Dare Northward campaign, the College will be known for a distinctive set of multidisciplinary academic offerings; an even more cohesive and accessible institutional culture for students from all backgrounds; the foremost art and athletic facilities in the educational sector; a welcoming, thriving, and dynamic surrounding community; increased global connections and resulting perspectives; the richest set of universal student experiences to enhance the Colby academic program; and the capacity to support the postgraduate success of every one of their students.

 

Thus far, more than 24,000 alumni and friends have made donations in support of initiatives such as the downtown Waterville revitalization, academic partnerships, financial aid, and global experiences and internships—collectively raising more than $625 million to date toward the Dare Northward campaign. Colby now ranks as a national leader among the nation’s colleges and universities in alumni giving participation. To learn about the Colby Dare Northward campaign, visit https://darenorthward.colby.edu/.

 

Colby College is seeking a highly motivated leadership annual gift officer, alumni philanthropy 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 director of family philanthropy and annual leadership giving, the leadership annual gift officer, alumni philanthropy is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Colby College alumni capable of $2,500+ and has a comprehensive understanding of best practices for annual giving engagement. The leadership annual gift officer will recruit, train, support, and direct the activities of the 1813 Society Committee and the 1813 Ambassadors; hold a primary focus to close annual fund gifts at the $2,500 through $50,000 level; and maintain a portfolio of 300 alumni. In addition, the leadership annual gift officer, alumni philanthropy will assist in the development of events, volunteer opportunities, and communications to maximize engagement and philanthropy of all Colby alumni. A highly visible representative of the College, the leadership annual gift officer, alumni philanthropy has 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 300 annual leadership giving alumni prospects
  • Hold a minimum of 350 meetings with alumni each fiscal year achieving annual personal and team revenue goals; visits to include annual leadership gift solicitations and organizational and cultivation visits with 1813 members
  • Work closely with the director of family philanthropy and annual leadership giving to create a comprehensive strategic plan for short and long term growth of 1813 contributions to the Colby Fund
  • Recruit, train, and support members of the 1813 Society Committee and 1813 Society Ambassadors and serve as their central liaison, and the central support for all high-level annual fund Colby alumni prospects
  • Manage and direct the solicitation and engagement of Colby’s alumni at the 1813 Society level, including:
    • Partner with leadership annual giving officers and advancement communications to create an annual strategic plan that achieves the annual dollar and supports participation goals for Colby Fund
    • Develop and manage effective solicitations and proposals in collaboration with the Colby Fund to all Colby 1813 members and prospects
    • Create and grow a comprehensive donor recognition program to encourage 1813 members to increase giving and movement amongst giving levels year over year
    • Work collaboratively with peers in other fundraising areas including Department of Athletics and Colby Museum of Art to maximize fundraising productivity
    • Assist volunteers with peer to peer solicitations
  • Works closely with colleagues within the Colby Fund to build a culture of philanthropy across all Colby constituents
  • Build strong personal relationships with alumni, parents, and friends as well as key faculty and staff partners; travel frequently to serve as an ambassador for Colby, advocate and be a spokesperson for leadership support, develop relationships, support events, and solicit gifts as appropriate
  • Participate in professional development training offered by the College, Division of College Advancement, and professional associations to enhance expertise and skills
  • 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
  • 3-5 years fundraising experience in a college, university, or complex institution with demonstrated success in making and closing 5-6 figure annual and major gift solicitations from individual donors
  • Superb verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to meet multiple simultaneous deadlines with an attention to detail
  • Prior experience working with staff and volunteers, the ability to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills in a diverse community to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
  • Proficiency with fundraising/alumni relations databases and technology
  • Understanding of the Moves Management process and ability to think and work strategically
  • Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e. nights and weekends)
  • Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
  • Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude
 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the director of family philanthropy and annual leadership giving, the leadership annual gift officer, alumni philanthropy will work closely with the members of the Colby Fund and have direct contact with the assistant vice president for college advancement, vice president for college advancement, chief campaign officer, senior administration, key faculty, and staff members across campus. The position also requires interaction with students, visitors, and outside constituencies.

 

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, parents/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:

 

Leadership Annual Gift Officer, Alumni Philanthropy - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855

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