Digital Philanthropy Center Manager

Structure

The Digital Philanthropy Center Manager is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Senior Director, Annual Giving.

Focus

The Digital Philanthropy Center (DPC) Manager works closely with the UC Foundation’s annual giving team to design and execute a comprehensive annual giving program in support of university fundraising initiatives. The Digital Philanthropy Center is a fundraising program designed for outreach to alumni and donors to solicit gifts in support of the University of Cincinnati. The manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Digital Philanthropy Center, leading the implementation of its calling and digital outreach strategy and supervising a staff of 50 student employees. Possessing a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, the Digital Philanthropy Center Manager serves as a motivational leader to student callers, promotes innovative ideas and applies best practices while staying apprised of fundraising and engagement center trends. 

About the DPC
The Digital Philanthropy Center deepens existing relationships with alumni, parents and friends and cultivates new ones through approximately 14,000 thoughtful conversations annually. In addition to garnering philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati, the DPC connects alumni with their colleges and programs of interest and provides valuable campus updates to constituents. Conveniently located on campus, the Digital Philanthropy Center provides student fundraisers with real-world, professional work experience. 

Specific Duties

• Oversee all operational aspects of the University of Cincinnati Foundation’s Digital Philanthropy Center program, including recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, monitoring, scheduling, retaining, supervising and evaluating 50 part-time DPC student associates and student team leads who are part of the team that contact University constituents to update them on campus happenings and secure financial contributions.
• Direct all aspects of operations during each shift to include both shift preparation and shift shutdown (assigning callers to calling pools/prospect lists, publicly recognizing outstanding associates, etc.).
• Maintain up to 32 fully staffed calling stations per shift, up to eight three-hour shifts per week.
• Be present at calling/outreach shifts, which occur year-round, Monday-Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. A typical work schedule is Sunday-Thursday 12:30-9:30 p.m.
• Set goals for each shift; ensure student employees are focused, well-prepared, and executing the outreach cadence strategy.
• Troubleshoot basic IT, computer and equipment issues.
• Enforce policies and procedures for attendance and performance.
• Prepare data reports generated by VanillaSoft, the DPC’s digital engagement and calling software system.
• Review and analyze DPC reports/statistics as well as individual associate statistics.
• Ensure the consistency and quality of calls and digital engagement through regular monitoring and one-on-one coaching.
• Run pre-determined reports on a regularly scheduled frequency (pledge reports, demographic changes, refusal reports, deceased reports, do not call reports, etc.).
• Analyze donor/caller statistics from VanillaSoft to identify strengths and areas of opportunity for the program and make recommendations to revise existing fundraising strategies.
• Conduct ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure a consistent pool of student applicants for open DPC positions.
• Lead the interviewing and partner on hiring process for all DPC staff in collaboration with UCF Human Resources and LEAD Philanthropy.
• Ensure bi-weekly tracking and submission of all DPC employee timesheets with accuracy in a timely manner.
• Create and deliver (in brief one-on-one sessions) monthly evaluations for all staff.
• Attend appropriate meetings, including weekly status update meetings with supervisor and UCF All Staff meetings.
• Work with the Senior Director, Annual Giving to maintain and manage all pre- and post-call communications related to the DPC.
• Assist the Senior Director, Annual Giving in creating projections and developing the DPC solicitation calendar for the fiscal year.
• Review and analyze all real-time VanillaSoft software data to determine progress towards projections and benchmarks.
• Act as primary editor of caller training and outreach materials.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality on all sensitive constituent and employee information.
• Prepare informational materials and training presentations for calling campaigns and ensure callers are knowledgeable about all campaigns.
• Utilize UCF’s database to update, track and maintain information.
• Prepare and send pledge invoices at regular intervals and suggest ways to improve pledge fulfillment rates.
• Plan and coordinate motivational/incentivizing activities to be executed during call shifts.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 1-3 years of experience working in a fundraising/non-profit or sales environment. Call center experience preferred.
• Experience in higher education and/or managing/supervising students, including in a part-time role.
• Ability to work Sunday-Thursday from 12:30-9:30 p.m.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; willingness and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to develop rapport and foster strong, productive relationships.
• High degree of initiative, energy and accountability; strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati.

What We Offer

The anticipated starting salary range for the Digital Philanthropy Center Manager role is $55,000-$65,000 annually. When determining the final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.

At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee’s peace of mind and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page.

Physical Demands

This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount force constantly to move objects. This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:

• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting
• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, this position is subject to outside environmental conditions and indoor conditions.

Pre-Hire Requirements

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification.