What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mission Engagement Officer position at Ave Maria University?
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Are you ready to be the catalyst for meaningful donor engagement? Ave Maria University is looking for an enthusiastic Engagement Officer to join our Advancement team. In this key role, you will work closely with the VP of Advancement, Director of Principal Gifts, Director of Advancement Services, Prospect Research Coordinator, and Director of Donor Relations to offer our donors, alumni, and ambassadors a personalized, impactful engagement experience. Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Ave Maria University’s mission while making our benefactors feel truly valued, appreciated, and connected to the Ave Maria University community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Partner with University leadership to identify and prioritize critical gift opportunities that support the University’s strategic goals.
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with assigned mid-level to major donors and prospects through personalized engagement, including face-to-face meetings, calls, and correspondence.
- Write and edit proposals, gift agreements, and other fundraising materials that align with donors’ interests, ensuring successful solicitations.
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure that donors feel valued, with continuous stewardship activities that highlight the impact of their gifts.
- Attend and represent the University at key fundraising events, creating positive impressions and fostering deeper connections with donors and prospects.
- Regularly update donor records in our database to ensure relevant, timely communications and seamless engagement, documenting activities that nurture donor relationships and generosity throughout the major giving pipeline, while enabling comprehensive reporting on the University's progress.
- Serves as a campus liaison for focused departmental fundraising initiatives and campaign needs, including securing gifts for event underwriting and capital naming opportunities, as needed.
- Recruit and cultivate corporate partnerships for giving initiatives, sponsorships, and underwriting opportunities tied to campus-wide programs and events.
- Travel to key regional areas to meet with donors, as needed, to nurture relationships and drive philanthropic engagement.
Location: Ave Maria University, on-campus in Ave Maria, FL
Full-Time: Office hours are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM; occasional nights and weekends
Compensation: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and 401(k) for full-time employees
As our Engagement Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in cultivating lasting relationships and inspiring radical generosity for Ave Maria University’s mission. In this dynamic, collaborative environment, you'll leverage your skills to invite others to join our community, ensuring that every benefactor feels truly valued, appreciated, and integral to our success.
Apply today and help shape the future of our University!
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred, or equivalent experience.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of three years of experience in development, sales, or a related field, with demonstrated strengths in leadership, organization, and communication
- Educational background in Sales, Marketing/Communications, Business/Entrepreneurship, or related fields would most likely be successful in this role
- Background in sales or fundraising, demonstrating strong relationship-building skills
- Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor stewardship practices is a plus
- Experience in a higher education or non-profit environment is desirable
- Professional writing experience, including proposals, agreements, report preparation and client communications
- Experience with databases and CRM tools for managing client contact and engagement
CERTIFICATION: N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Deep appreciation for Ave Maria University’s mission and community, with a strong commitment to its Catholic values.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with a variety of audiences
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a collaborative mindset
- Capacity to manage long-term relationships while contributing to the department’s strategic goals.
- Strong initiative, team-oriented and project management skills, with attention to detail
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
- Flexible availability to travel and attend evening meetings as needed.
PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors with minimal safety hazards, and requires seated, standing, and movement work.
