What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advancement Officer, ECU Foundation, University Advancement position at East Carolina University?
As a part of a successful fundraising team at ECU, the Advancement Officer will utilize exceptional relationship building skills, strong work ethic, a goals oriented mentality, and be motivated to be an effective member of this mission driven organization.
- The Advancement Officer is responsible for building relationships with a wide variety of constituents including alumni, donors, volunteers, and campus partners.
- The Advancement Officer will manage a regional portfolio of rated prospects who have the inclination and/or capacity to commit to five, six, or seven figure gifts with the goal of raising funds to advance the mission of ECU.
- Advancement Officers representing the ECU Foundation will support the fundraising needs of ECU’s main academic campus, including seven colleges and numerous interdisciplinary programs.
- The Advancement Officer is a member of a dedicated five officer regional sales team and is evaluated on achieving quarterly and annual performance metrics.
Reporting Relationship: The Advancement Officer reports directly to the Senior Advancement Officer for University Development.
60% Fundraising Responsibilities:
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward donor prospects through personal and virtual engagement (10-15 meetings per month).
- Actively listen to match donor interest with university priorities, develop funding proposals, and negotiate gift commitments.
- Share stories from campus through effective written, verbal, and visual communication.
- Overnight and day travel is required monthly
20% Portfolio Management Responsibilities:
- Use data to meet quarterly and annual performance metrics by generating new contacts and expanding relationships with existing donors
- Exhibit time management skills that allow for appropriate follow up and adaptation to emerging needs
- Working a minimum of 90 days in advance, plan and execute a travel strategy based on the assigned portfolio supplemented by strategic prospect discovery work
20% Campus Liaison Responsibilities:
- Serve as a liaison to one or more designated areas on campus while maintaining relationships with Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, and faculty across campus.
- Coordinate the travel of senior leadership to assigned regions.
- Attend University-sponsored events and make use of these activities to engage with alumni, donors, and prospects
- Collaborate with divisional colleagues and campus partners to meet the needs of ECU
Must be available to work flexible hours and travel
Minimum Education/Experience
The identified candidate must possess at a minimum:
- A Bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of one year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.
- A minimum of 3 years of full-time professional experience working in a metrics-driven environment, relationship-based roles, or other related professions.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience interacting with a wide range of individuals and position levels.
- Demonstrated success in a metrics-driven environment.
- Must be proficient using Microsoft Office software.
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation
None
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education
- Master’s degree.
- Understanding of the culture and mechanics of higher education fundraising.
- Familiarity with fundraising industry best practices, CRM software like Blackbaud, Agilon ONE, ThankView, and LinkedIn.
- Demonstrated appetite for success and making a difference.
- Proven history of conducting successful annual, major, and planned gift solicitations.
- Experience in client-facing, client-services, or relationship management role.
- Demonstrated competence in delivering presentations to individuals or groups.
- Solid understanding of finances and budgets.
- Proven record of working with volunteers to coordinate and increase private support.
- Demonstrated success in overcoming barriers and problem solving.
- Exhibit emotional intelligence and a cognitive ability to manage complex situations and environments or other related critical thinking skills.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, oversee, and coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Willing to approach roles and tasks with a commitment to the mission and values of East Carolina University.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Special Instructions to Applicant
Candidates must also submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae/resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Additional Instructions to Applicant
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.
Job Open Date
03/13/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date.
Initial Screening Begins
03/28/2025
Rank Level
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/85073
Nondiscrimination Statement
East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.
