Annual Giving, School of Liberal Arts, Assistant Director

Responsible for raising upper-level annual gifts of immediate-use support from reunion and non-reunion alumni, as well as the qualification of alumni in key markets. This position requires a dedicated, highly respected, self-motivated and results-oriented development professional with strong interpersonal skills and a penchant for building and sustaining relationships. Specifically, the position will cultivate, solicit, close, and steward unrestricted gifts and pledges in the $1,500-$50,000 range, while concurrently identifying major gift prospects. The position will work closely with the entire Annual Giving team including the undergraduate reunion program, the annual giving operations program and the professional school’s annual giving programs and other schools and units as appropriate. Additionally, this position will provide administrative support to the dean and the Senior Director of Development, as needed.

Fundraising:
Maintains a portfolio of donor prospects with the goal of acquiring, retaining, and upgrading upper-level annual gifts up to $50,000. Effectively manages prospects in all phases of the development cycle: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Refers donors or prospects to major gift officers, as appropriate, and incorporates prospects into portfolio who are disqualified as major gift prospects but are determined to be capable of higher-end annual gifts. Takes the leadership role for the school with respect to Give Green and other annual fund programming.

Alumni Engagement:

Responsible for maintaining and cultivating relationships with alumni groups and School of Liberal Arts constituents throughout the country. Explore ways to virtually engage and potentially host in-person events specifically for alumni who live abroad. Plan and execute programs and events like networking receptions, speaker series, and alumni gatherings, both locally and regionally. The overarching goal of all functions is to expand constituents’ awareness, encourage their involvement and financial support, and enrich continuing relationships with the school and with one another. Assists with advancement components of all events led by the Senior Director as needed. Prepares materials for events, including invitations, RSVP lists, nametags, programs, etc. in coordination with the Senior Director of Development for the School of Liberal Arts.

Volunteer Management:

Works with the volunteer groups associated with the School of Liberal Arts. These groups include but are not limited to the School of Liberal Arts Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC), the Shakespeare Festival, the Summer Lyric Theatre, and Tulane Marching Band. Helps with all DAC meetings and serve as the main coordinator for all special events related to the DAC. Working closely with the faculty and staff responsible for the Shakespeare Festival and Summer Lyric Theatre to ensure all board and council meetings are completed in an effective and appropriate manner. Work with the faculty and staff for the Tulane Marching Band and assist on fundraising initiatives and collaborate with the Senior Director to provide guidance on donor strategies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years’ direct fundraising or transferable experience required. Transferable experience includes: marketing, admissions, public relations, alumni relations, trust officer, or sales experience;

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent, and 8 years’ directly related work experience required
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY:

• Excellent oral, written, and persuasive communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel overnight, as well as attend events on evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple demands and/or projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently as well as with other administrative and academic departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni groups, and the general public.
• Ability to serve as a personable, creative self-starter and team player.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated progressively responsible experience in Development.
• Experience fundraising for unrestricted gifts.
• Higher education fundraising experience, preferably in a research university.
• Commitment to the values of an institution of higher education.
• Knowledge of various software systems including Microsoft Word and Access