Constituent Relations Associate (Tulsa, OK Office)

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: Raise private philanthropic support for Oklahoma State University.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assisting the Center for Health Sciences, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT development teams in stewarding and engaging college specific donors, providing them with college access, information, and recognition.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:

Donor Engagement & Donor Relations-

• Partner with team members to craft unique donor engagement experiences for unit specific donors.
• Collaborate with CHS, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT, and the Foundation’s Department of Donor Relations to develop, manage, and maintain comprehensive donor engagement plans for the unit’s top-level donors.
• Collaborate with the OSU Foundation Leadership Gift team to execute donor engagement plans for leadership gift level donors within the unit.
• Regularly review the major gift “code red” report to appropriately inform development staff about major gift pledges nearing completion.
• In collaboration with the Department of Donor Relations assist CHS, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT in the planning and execution of Foundation-approved donor-centered events including but not limited to:
• • Scholarship meetings/banquets
  • College/Unit/Campus-specific giving societies
  • Donor-attended scholarship celebrations
  • Campaign and Gift Announcements,
  • Capital project specific special events
• Develop, implement and manage student-donor appreciation initiatives for CHS, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT as directed, including creating student scholarship profiles and providing students with organized opportunities to connect with donors and express their appreciation for donor support, (e.g. letter-writing campaigns, thank-a-thons, etc.).
• Serve as a subject-matter expert about CHS, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT.

Donor Acknowledgements-

• Implement, manage and/or monitor a College/School/Department-based acknowledgement process designed to ensure appropriate and consistent acknowledgement of gifts across the OSU system.
• Craft highly personalized letters to donors on behalf of the College/School/Department leader, as directed.
• Thank you letters from students to donors

Fund utilization monitoring & impact reporting-

• In collaboration with the Foundation’s Department of Donor Relations, provide and/or develop critical fund impact information pertaining to the use of donor funds within CHS, OSU-Tulsa, and OSU IT, including but not limited to:
• • Endowed Chair and Professorship reports
  • Program fund reporting
  • President’s excellence fund reporting
  • Dean’s excellence fund reporting
  • General scholarship fund reporting
• In collaboration with the Foundation’s Department of Donor Relations, regularly monitor fund utilization for the unit/department. Pro-actively work with campus partners to resolve utilization issues as directed.
• Act as a liaison between the development team and Annual Giving for:
• • Annual fund appeals
  • Crowdfunding projects
  • Give Orange
• Marketing/Social Media - work with unit marketing teams to:
• • Develop marketing materials for team projects working with OSU Foundation
  • Social media promotions
  • Press releases

Other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE:

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience-

• 1 – 3 years of professional experience
• Experience in non-profit, stewardship, or donor relations preferred.
• Experience with MS Office suite.
• Sense of humor and experience having fun!

Organizational Competencies-

• Effective Communication: Communicates well (written and verbal); exhibits exceptional listening skills, and is transparent through open dialog and informational sharing; seeks first to understand and assumes positive intent; deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner while conveying both good and bad news; avoids “telling themselves a story” and works to deploy crucial conversation communication techniques; shows the highest level of understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern with all interactions
• Execution & Initiative: Demonstrates a high level of initiative on assignments; expresses interest in taking on more responsibilities and contributing to overall goals; proactively contributes to problem solving and pursues continuous improvement efforts at all times; takes responsibility to ensure that quality and timeliness of deliverables meets organizational and donor expectations; ensures work is accurate; delivers upon commitments while demonstrating integrity, stewardship of resources and service to OSU
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Builds and maintains strong internal working relationships that promote open and honest communication; cares for others personally and professionally; values diversity and treats all individuals with respect and professionalism; demonstrates an open mind-set when presented with opportunities to learn about different culture, approaches or opinions; supports team efforts and makes the Foundation a more enjoyable place to work
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Seeks guidance and expert opinions in decision-making and planning process; gains understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures; when and why escalation of issues is needed and to whom; responds appropriately and timely to issues; accepts responsibility for actions
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Committed to continuous improvement; adapts to change, is open to new ideas; takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs; shows ability to listen actively to different perspectives and consider alternate views based on new information; demonstrates self-control and remains productive during times of uncertainty
• Courage & Conviction: Proactively takes responsibility for individual outcomes regardless of success, and learns from all results; demonstrates dedication to the principles of truth and honesty, even when the message may not be welcome; maintains confidentiality; supports company values, walks the talk; behaviors and actions are consistent with statements, values and beliefs; practices ethical decision making; has courage to try something new when encouraged by others; shows accountability and credibility by following through on commitments; receives constructive feedback from others and looks for continually improve
• Donor Centered: Follows through with appropriate actions and/or information to meet the requests of donors; actively shares contacts and relationships with those who may have common goals or needs; embraces development and stewardship strategies that build relationships and respect the donors' interests, while balancing university priorities; solidifies personal relationships with mutual trust and fulfillment on commitments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must use a computer terminal and view a computer screen for extended periods of time. Must talk in person or by phone (frequently and sometimes for extended periods) to people on campus and across the country. Must constantly use visual acuity to check printed and designed materials of various types. Must be able to navigate within the OSU Foundation. Typical office working conditions.