Advancement Officer

Position Overview

Primary Function:

The Advancement Officer cultivates relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University in order to solicit financial support from a pool of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts in the $50K to $1M+ range.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work are discussed with the supervisor.

Career Band: 2E

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Maintains oversight of and regular, robust activity with a pool of approximately 180 leadership-level prospective donors, including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts (including estate gifts) at the $50K and above level.

• Builds and advances strong professional relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University that result in philanthropic contributions. 

•  Organizes and plans travel to strategically and efficiently visit at least 150 donors/prospective donors annually in order to meet individual fundraising goals.

•  Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of Sewanee’s fundraising priorities and serves as a resource, advocate, and spokesperson for advancement programs at the University.

• Works independently and creatively to match donor interests with institutional priorities and develop funding proposals and negotiate and structure complex gifts.

• Prepares briefings, stewardship plans/letters and other correspondence for prospective donors, collaborating with other Advancement colleagues and University staff as appropriate.

• Ensures the timely capture and recording of data relating to the assigned prospect pool.

• Maintains in-depth knowledge of the University’s academic and extra-curricular programs and key faculty and administrators; may serve as an Advancement liaison to a specific institutional program area.

• Collaborates with other Advancement colleagues on special fundraising projects and/or events.

• Supports the Sewanee Fund staff by personally encouraging each of their assigned donors/prospective donors to make a gift to the Sewanee Fund each year and to make special gifts during reunion years.

• Utilizes appropriate technology to consistently accomplish follow-up tasks (including call reports and correspondence) in a timely manner.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others and accepts direction from supervisors. 

Machines & Equipment Used: 

• Personal computer, 
• Vehicle, 
• Cell phone, 
• Printer, 
• Internet and, 
• Various software packages.

Judgment Required: 

The performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon being relational, highly motivated, inquisitive, and extremely organized with attention to detail, goals, and deadlines.

Budgetary Responsibility: None

Personal Interaction/Communication:

• Student Contact: Minimal
• Internal: Faculty, Staff, Executive Office
• External: Potential & Existing Donors, Parents, Alumni, Friends, Visitors

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, 
• Knowledge of institutional advancement and advanced fund-raising techniques, including planned giving, 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and, 
• relational databases; such as Banner.

Experience:

5+ years of progressive experience and training in development, fundraising, sales, or other related work.

Job-Related Skills:

• Excellent organization, 
• Verbal and written communication skills, 
• Interpersonal, analytical, reasoning, problem-solving, and time management skills and, 
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Licenses & Certifications: Driver's license

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information:

• Giving histories, 
• Contact reports and, 
• Wealth screening information

Working Environment:

• General office 
• Extensive travel

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, 
• Must be able to walk for extended periods of time, 
• Must be able to use hands for repetitive tasks, 
• Must be able to push and/or pull objects, 
• Must be able to lift between 21-50 pounds (Medium work), 
• Must be able to carry between 21-50 pounds (Medium work)

Any additional requirements specific to this position:

• Significant travel is required, 
• Nights and weekend,
• Work required for events.

DEI Institutional Statement:

At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry. We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.