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Director of Class Philanthropy and Engagement

Employer
Colby College
Location
Maine, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Closing date
Sep 3, 2022

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Position Type
Fundraising, Annual Fund
Fields
Education
Employment Type
Full Time
Job Description Department:

Annual Giving

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Job Summary:

College Advancement
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

 

Propelled by visionary leadership, a compelling array of initiatives, and record fundraising 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 $670 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/.

 

The College is seeking a highly motivated director of class philanthropy and engagement 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 director will develop and execute comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and volunteer management strategies to achieve goals of reunion and class philanthropy and programs within the broader goals of College Advancement. The director will manage the 50th reunion in addition to leading and implementing the overall strategy, volunteer opportunities, communications, and execution of reunion and class programs to attain record-breaking alumni engagement metrics including participation, elevate reunion attendance, and maximize the philanthropy of Colby alumni. In addition, the role will identify and cultivate volunteers to support peer-to-peer solicitation and high-touch engagement and stewardship opportunities.
 

The director has comprehensive experience in and an understanding of leadership and annual giving solicitations, management, and the many ways in which constituents can rely upon and can contribute to the College. A highly visible representative of the College, the director has a deep appreciation for the liberal arts college experience and a strong personal commitment to Colby’s core values. The director oversees and directs professional staff members. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and implement the overall strategy, volunteer opportunities, communications, and execution of reunion and class engagement to attain record-breaking alumni participation, maximize philanthropy of Colby alumni, and increase overall engagement
  • Supervise staff members who manage reunion and class volunteers and serve as affinity liaisons
  • Lead the efforts for the 50th reunion fundraising program, including recruiting and building reunion committees through class-specific mass communications, and support personalized recruitment by the classes’ chairs and reunion committee members
  • Engage and support team members with class and affinity volunteer recruitment; support class agents once recruited, prepare and convene reunion committee conference calls to keep the committees informed and active in fundraising, and facilitate ongoing communication between class chairs, committees, and various advancement staff
  • Partner with the senior director of annual giving and the director of engagement to enhance Colby Fund giving efforts across classes and affinities in support of revenue and participation goals as well create a pipeline development plan for the 25th and 50th class reunions
  • Collaborate with communications, events, gift planning, and leadership gifts teams to develop giving solicitation priorities and strategies
  • Manage a pool of alumni prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $2,500-$100,000; develop and execute a comprehensive moves management strategy for prospects through the processes of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
  • Complete a minimum of 120 visits each fiscal year achieving annual personal and team revenue goals
  • Establish class engagement goals and programs in collaboration with volunteers and colleagues
  • Build strong personal relationships with alumni and key faculty and staff partners to identify volunteer and giving opportunities
  • Travel frequently to serve as an ambassador for Colby, advocate and be a spokesperson for leadership support, create new and maintain existing connections, support events, and solicit gifts as appropriate
  • Use alumni engagement data to inform programming strategy and measure impact
  • Manage budgets for programming activities as assigned; prepare related budget reports when needed
  • 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
  • At least 5 years of fundraising experience in a college, university, or similar setting with success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing annual and major gift solicitations
  • Prior experience working with staff and volunteers, the ability to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
  • Demonstrated ability to think and plan long-term while successfully attending to more immediate goals and tasks; strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including superb relationship skills and ability to work with people across a wide range of levels of power and influence
  • Able to meet multiple simultaneous deadlines in a timely manner with an attention to detail
  • Understanding of the Moves Management process and ability to think and work strategically
  • Proficiency with fundraising/alumni relations databases and technology
  • 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
  • Strong, self-motivated work ethic; flexibility; and proven capability to work both independently and collaboratively and constructively as a member of a diverse community
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the senior director of annual giving, the director of class philanthropy and engagement will have direct contact with the assistant vice president of advancement, senior director of communications and engagement, director of leadership gifts, chief campaign officer, president, trustees, senior administration, key faculty, and staff members across campus. The position also has significant interaction with alumni, donors, prospects, 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, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required. The option to work remotely will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

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:

 

Director of Class Philanthropy and Engagement - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855

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