Assistant / Associate Director of Donor Relations

Donor Relations

Salary

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

The assistant/associate director of donor relations reports to the director of donor relations and maintains close working relationships with other members of the Division of College Advancement staff, Colby faculty, and administration. The assistant/associate director plays an integral role in establishing a structured, systematic program for donor stewardship while maintaining the College’s reputation of integrity and fund compliance. The successful candidate will possess the ability to develop creative strategies for the acknowledgement, reporting, and ongoing stewardship of donors, with the goal of increasing donor engagement and giving in support of Colby’s fundraising efforts.

The assistant/associate director of donor relations is an essential member of the principal gift proposal group and the team that crafts letters of intent. The assistant/associate director participates in providing donors with reporting related to select set of endowed and current use funds as part of a College-wide stewardship program designed to foster and sustain long-term, meaningful relationships between the College and its donors. This includes preparing substantive reports to principal gift donors that demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy to the College, and financial reporting for endowed gifts. The assistant/associate director will work closely with the Division of College Advancement’s chief campaign officer and other departments on campus to achieve these objectives. 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, in collaboration with others on the Donor Relations team, the reporting process for all of the College’s endowed funds, including financial reporting, ensuring that donors receive timely and meaningful stewardship that demonstrates the impact of their philanthropy
• Collaborate effectively with senior leadership and all departments across the division in fulfilling reporting objectives and goals; write and edit narrative reports as required by gift agreements
• Provide general advancement writing, particularly presidential and vice presidential correspondence, and other high touch, high impact writing projects as needed
• Contribute to donor-focused event and recognition strategy
• Work with the vice president for administration and chief financial officer and the Office of Financial Services to update Colby’s Investment Practice and Performance document in preparation for sharing financial fund value reports to endowed fund donors
• Ensure that the stewardship-related details for endowed funds and other applicable gifts are accurately reflected in Raiser’s Edge; work with Advancement Operations to report on data and segment data accurately for reporting and mailing purposes
• Assist with the planning and implementation of principal gift individualized stewardship plans
• Help hire, manage, and evaluate student employees for the department; ensure that appropriate training is established and that work schedules are well coordinated
• 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 3-5 years of advancement experience within an institution of higher education preferred
• Excellent project management and organizational skills including experience independently overseeing complex projects and programs; attention to detail is critical
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills required
• Ability to interact with high level donors, prospects, trustees, and College officials with tact, diplomacy, and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and balance multiple responsibilities effectively
• Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges, highly motivated, disciplined work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a growth mindset
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or comparable relational database preferred
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) required; experience with Adobe InDesign a plus
• Must be able to work additional hours during busy periods, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position has significant interaction with faculty, staff, peers, Officers of the College, alumni, parents, friends, and donors.

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. Work outside of normal business hours is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.

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:

Assistant/Associate Director of Donor Relations - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855