Director of Annual Giving
Staff Exempt Boston, Massachusetts
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Description
Suffolk University, founded in 1906, has a growing alumni population of over 89,000. The Division of Advancement has achieved significant fundraising success in the past seven years and has surpassed several fundraising records and alumni and donor engagement goals. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Engagement and Annual Giving, the Director of Annual Giving will be responsible for planning and executing an annual fundraising program centered in direct mail, campus-based phone/outreach program (Student Philanthropy and Engagement Center), volunteer efforts, and digital solicitations. This includes creation of the strategies, programs, and plans for the on-campus student philanthropy and engagement center (SPEC), direct mail letters and appeals to alumni, parents, employees and friends, solicitation e-mails, social media, and SMS messaging as well as other outreach methods including crowdfunding and volunteers.
Responsibilities:
Execute a comprehensive strategy for Annual Giving in line with the University's strategic plan and funding priorities, with a strong focus on donor acquisition, retention, and increased giving
Monitor and analyze reports to ensure the annual giving program is on track to meet stated fundraising goals and adjust strategy as necessary to meet metrics
Plan and lead Day of Giving campaigns including the annual Athletics Day of Giving and the Suffolk University Day of Giving as well as other giving events, including creating crowdfunding campaigns in collaboration with departments and student groups, directing marketing efforts, and coordinating day-of activities
Evaluate potential for special or segmented mailings and implement as appropriate
Create written pieces for the purposes of engagement, solicitation, and acknowledgement through print and digital channels
Collaborate with the Communications colleagues to maintain giving-related web content and develop visually appealing solicitation pieces for print and electronic media
Support student and faculty groups in the development of ad hoc crowdfunding campaigns
Oversee the expansion of the University and the Law School’s class gift programs and encourage a culture of philanthropy among students
Remain up to date on annual fundraising strategies and tools in all appropriate communications channels and elevate recommendations for program improvements
Build and maintain positive working relationships with faculty, staff, and students across multiple departments, schools, and colleges within the university
Manage a small portfolio of annual giving donors and prospects.
Manage a team of professional staff and vendor relationships.
Coordinate marketing efforts with other aspects of the Division of Advancement to provide effective communications that provide multi-channel, multi-message value to constituents and the University.
Represent each of the three schools and colleges that make up the University through giving direct, annual fundraising efforts on their behalf.
Engage students in a discussion and education regarding the University as an educational charity to provide a culture that values alma mater support.
Assist with developing and growing a volunteer solicitation program with the goal of leveraging the alumni and parents connected to the University to increase participation from all constituencies.
Create and execute a plan for appeals that enables the University to grow the donor count and support for unrestricted dollars.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s/advanced degrees preferred
5 years of experience in development/advancement with experience managing fundraising programs, direct mail, and digital fundraising as well as demonstrated success in fundraising
A proven leader with experience supervising, managing and motivating a team/staff.
Process-minded individual with demonstrated skills in project management.
Excellent analytical skills including the ability to analyze trends from quantitative and qualitative data.
Successful candidates will have a keen and authentic interest in making a significant impact at
Suffolk in support of the University’s mission through fundraising.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to helping develop and implement the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and goals
Possess outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to persuade and inspire.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven, and goal-oriented environment, simultaneously balancing diverse responsibilities.
Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and work both collaboratively and independently.
Demonstrated writing and editing capabilities
Ability to take initiative, be creative, and attentive to detail
Knowledge of Raisers Edge NXT or similar fundraising platform
Strong knowledge of Excel
Demonstrated skill to work within a complex environment with strong capabilities in planning, organizing, and managing
Ability to handle sensitive materials in a confidential manner and to maintain data integrity
Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and working independently and productively under pressure
Commitment to quality and high-performance standards
Ability to staff occasional local evening and weekend events
Ability to travel locally as needed.
Ability to take on additional duties as assigned.
Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.