Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts college, is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to support strategic and programmatic efforts related to annual philanthropic support.

Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. Colgate University enjoys a strong tradition of philanthropy and engagement, having successfully raised over $480 million from more than 34,500 community members during Passion for The Climb: The Campaign for Colgate, completed in 2012. On an annual basis, more than 56% of Colgate’s alumni engage with the University through philanthropy, volunteering, or engaging at online and in-person programs, including signature events like Reunion that draws in more than 2500 alumni and guests. This tradition of philanthropy paired with strong levels of alumni affinity position Colgate well for even greater success, as the Vice President and his team prepare to lead the community into a historic and comprehensive campaign.

At this pivotal moment in the University’s history, Colgate is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to play an integral role in supporting annual giving and volunteer engagement efforts. The person in this role will be responsible for managing strategy and logistics related to the Presidents’ Club, the University leadership giving society, as well as working with alumni volunteers colleagues across campus in support of annual giving programs. This successful candidate will possess strong communication and volunteer management skills, the ability to collaborate with a variety of entities, and be detail-oriented.

Accountabilities:

• The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is responsible for operationalizing strategy for the Presidents’ Club, the University’s leadership giving society. Over 90% of the funds raised in support of the University are given by Presidents’ Club-level donors.
• The assistant director provides critical program management for this important group of constituents, and also supports the Associate Vice President for Advancement to manage the PCMC, the volunteer steering committee for the Presidents’ Club.
• The assistant director will ensure that all aspects of Presidents’ Club donor experience are being managed appropriately, including events, solicitation, stewardship, and the volunteer experience.
• The Assistant Director will also act as a class manager for up to 10 alumni classes, providing the primary point of contact for alumni volunteers who solicit classmates on behalf of the University.
• The Assistant Director is an integral part of Colgate’s annual giving team and will be the primary point of contact for advancement colleagues who are managing an annual giving project.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess organizational savvy, an ability to establish and execute plans, and experience motivating internal and external stakeholders to achieve mutual goals.
• A minimum of two years experience in fundraising, sales, marketing or non-profit work is required.
• The ability to handle confidential material with utmost discretion.
• The ability to use IBM Laptop computers and relevant software applications, such as E-Mail/Gmail; Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel; the Google Suite of software, including Google Docs and Google sheets; and a comfort level with database management are critical.
• A demonstrated ability to execute programs and meet measurable goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are critical.
• Must possess strong judgement skills, and the ability develop solutions expediently.
• An ability to articulate the value of a liberal arts education is essential.
• Candidates must be capable of working collegially and effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous annual fund/alumni relations, sales or marketing experience in a university setting is preferred.
• Previous experience managing and motivating staff and volunteers.

Education

• A minimum of an Associate’s degree with 3 years of experience in annual fund/alumni relations, sales and/or marketing is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Work Schedule: Weekdays, with occasional weekends.

Job Open Date: 08/04/2021

Job Close Date: 10/10/2021

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.