Assistant Director, Student Engagement & Annual Giving

General Position Summary:

The Office of Annual Giving partners with University of Arizona colleges, departments, and other programs to generate consistent philanthropic support through direct mail, phone, and online fundraising campaigns.

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving plans and coordinates student activities and fundraising campaigns to introduce the concept of philanthropic support to students and to build a lifetime connection to the University. This person will research, create, and execute giving strategies to increase giving from students and recent graduates designed to lead to alumni engagement, loyal giving, and pipeline development. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, initiative, and organization; accuracy and attention to detail; and an ability to set priorities and handle multiple projects with limited supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

Coordinate Class Gift campaign to acquire new donors, including:

• Drafting strategic plan
• Working with Marketing and Communications to ensure adherence to Foundation and University brand standards
• Recommending design concepts, drafting or coordinating copywriting, and providing creative direction to graphic artist
• Collaborating with department colleagues on development and implementation of email appeals
• Researching and implementing best practices
• Creating telephone outreach program scripts
• Leading GradFest Workgroup that plans events in Fall and Spring in coordination with the University Bookstores and Commencement team
• Organize GradFest Events including set up, marketing, incentives, volunteer management, and sales of GradBundles

Develop and execute the cultivation and solicitation strategy for Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLDS) to increase engagement and giving participation.

Serve as advisor for the UA Foundation’s student ambassadors’ organization including the PhilanthroCats and Bobcats

• Host member meetings
• Define process for selecting members of PhilanthroCats.
• Design activities to help students engage in the PAE
• Train members before volunteer activities
• Approve expenses
• Create opportunities for members to educate peers about philanthropy
• Work to grow membership and presence of PhilanthroCats

Lead student engagement events and activities for University Giving Day

• Create and execute the strategy to recruit, train and communicate with volunteer Ambassadors
• Work with student leaders to plan and host events on Giving Day
• Develop in person and virtual events for other campus locations

Lead or partner with campus colleagues on crowdfunding initiatives. Create and implement solicitation strategies, marketing plans, training materials and timelines.

Create and manage a strategic e-solicitation program in support of overall Annual Giving goals. E-solicitations should work in conjunction with direct mail, telephone outreach program, crowdfunding and other initiatives.

Consult with stakeholders and research and report best practices in the development and implementation of technology to increase giving from recent graduates.

Create and coordinate an annual induction of new alumni through an alumni pinning ceremony

Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to working in a collaborative team environment with shared goals.
• Ability to work efficiently with a wide variety of individuals, including donors, PAE colleagues, deans, faculty and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and written.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service with the ability to translate the PAE guiding principles of donor-centricity and collaboration into work practices.
• Ability to recognize and handle highly confidential and sensitive information in a discrete and professional manner.
• Work with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative required.
• Be able to work independently with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet strict deadlines for deliverables
• Adept at problem-solving and using judgment in situations requiring initiative, tact, and confidentiality.
• Ability to anticipate and discern work priorities and meet deadlines with little supervision.
• Openness to new ideas and personal flexibility with the ability to adapt and succeed in a multi-task, fast-paced environment with changing processes and occasional ambiguity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education and/or non-profit development experience.
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM database management system.
• Experience coordinating direct mail, email, or marketing campaigns.

Work Environment:

• Due to the nature of the position, there is a high exposure to a computer screen.
• This position may require sitting for long periods of time.

The University of Arizona Foundation reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.