Donor Engagement Officer

Job Summary:

The Donor Engagement Officer position is a new, unique role and will consist of traditional leadership annual giving work, soliciting and stewarding gifts up to $25,000, as well as dynamic donor engagement work connected to the Major Gifts team and Director of Alumni Relations. The Donor Engagement Officers will bridge the gap between strategic engagement campaigns and major and principal-level giving initiatives by focusing on annual giving donor acquisition, renewal and retention, supporting cultivation and fundraising initiatives and events, and qualifying and referring newly acquired donors. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibility requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

• Manage a portfolio of assigned projects.
• Successfully execute fundraising visits, solicitations, and dollar goals which are evaluated and determined annually.
• Successfully secure a high number of quality engagement interactions with prospects through personal visits, phone calls, e-mail communication, and event engagement; this includes engagement on several platforms including but not limited to phone, virtual visits, and in-person travel.
• Work in collaboration with the Director of Annual Giving, Director of Alumni Relations, and the frontline fundraising positions personnel.
• Create and develop awareness about giving participation and Fortify the Future with prospective donors.
• Steward relationships with donors and provide opportunities for them to stay connected to Drury and specific departments and programs of interest.
• Through effective identification and qualification, build a pipeline of qualified prospects.
• Track portfolio activity and progress in the donor database and keep up-to-date information for Moves Management meetings.
• Responsible for making cold calls, developing, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
• Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
• Develops, plans, and implements activities to support mid-level and major donor cultivation. This also includes: coordinating donor reports, event logistics, creating invitations, developing mailing list criteria and data cleanup, and scheduling facilities and support services.
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Alumni Relations on identifying, recruiting, and managing Drury Champions, Student Philanthropy leaders, and any other volunteer groups as needed. Will prepare materials and ensure volunteer accountability towards metrics.
• Design and execute Advancement events as assigned.
• Design and executive fundraising strategies for prospects and general alumni around Reunion, participation percentage, Match Madness, and any other giving programs.
• Write proposals to solicit prospects and educate them on both current giving and pledge and planned gifts.
• Create and executive multi-channel plans of communication to encourage participation in giving.

Required Skills/Abilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of professional fundraising or sales experience required.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution or work experience within fundraising that equates to an advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in frontline fundraising in higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated success in planning, executing, and closing personal solicitations.
• A strong command of fundraising principles and a familiarity with the objectives of annual and unrestricted-gift fundraising.
• Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others and experience with fundraising databases.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• An outgoing and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Organized and detail-oriented with proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment.
• A self-started who can work effectively as a team member and independently.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethical Principles of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of professional fundraising or sales experience required.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution or work experience within fundraising that equates to an advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in frontline fundraising in higher education preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the university's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training student employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining student employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to travel off campus when required. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

WORKING AT DU HAS ITS BENEFITS:

• Generous time off including 4+ weeks of paid time off starting your first year
• Free tuition for your whole family - a benefit worth up to $15-30k per year per family member
• Free tickets to Drury home sporting events
• Health and wellness benefits at extremely competitive rates
• Free use of onsite fitness center on Springfield campus
• Discounted meals and Drury merchandise on campus