What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advancement Officer position at University of The South?
Salary : Depends on Qualifications
Location : Sewanee, TN
Job Type : Staff Full-Time
Job Number : 202100218
Division : University Relations
Department : Advancement
Opening Date : 02 / 15 / 2023
Position Overview
Primary Function :
The Advancement Officer cultivates relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University in order to solicit financial support from a pool of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts in the $50K to $1M range.
This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work are discussed with the supervisor.
Career Band : 2E
Position Description
Typical Duties & Responsibilities :
- Maintains oversight of and regular, robust activity with a pool of approximately 180 leadership-level prospective donors, including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts (including estate gifts) at the $50K and above level.
- Builds and advances strong professional relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University that result in philanthropic contributions.
- Organizes and plans travel to strategically and efficiently visit at least 150 donors / prospective donors annually in order to meet individual fundraising goals.
- Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of Sewanee's fundraising priorities and serves as a resource, advocate, and spokesperson for advancement programs at the University.
- Works independently and creatively to match donor interests with institutional priorities and develop funding proposals and negotiate and structure complex gifts.
- Prepares briefings, stewardship plans / letters and other correspondence for prospective donors, collaborating with other Advancement colleagues and University staff as appropriate.
- Ensures the timely capture and recording of data relating to the assigned prospect pool.
- Maintains in-depth knowledge of the University's academic and extra-curricular programs and key faculty and administrators; may serve as an Advancement liaison to a specific institutional program area.
- Collaborates with other Advancement colleagues on special fundraising projects and / or events.
- Supports the Sewanee Fund staff by personally encouraging each of their assigned donors / prospective donors to make a gift to the Sewanee Fund each year and to make special gifts during reunion years.
- Utilizes appropriate technology to consistently accomplish follow-up tasks (including call reports and correspondence) in a timely manner.
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.
Machines & Equipment Used :
Judgment Required :
The performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon being relational, highly motivated, inquisitive, and extremely organized with attention to detail, goals, and deadlines.
Budgetary Responsibility : None
Personal Interaction / Communication :
Attributes of a Successful Candidate
Education :
Experience :
5 years of progressive experience and training in development, fundraising, sales, or other related work.
Job-Related Skills :
Licenses & Certifications : Driver's license
Supplemental Information
Confidential Information :
Working Environment :
Physical Requirements :
Any additional requirements specific to this position :
If you have questions about a position, the University application process, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or email us at hr@sewanee.edu.
DEI Institutional Statement :
At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry. We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity :
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
