Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement and working closely with the Director of Annual Giving, this position is responsible for engaging alumni, especially young alumni, through in-person meetings as well as social and electronic media and for securing unrestricted and restricted current-use gifts, especially from young alumni and students through direct-mail, phone, electronic solicitations and social media.

Essential Functions

Young Alumni Engagement: Under the leadership and guidance of the Director of Alumni Engagement, develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for connecting young alumni to the University.

• Organize at least two virtual and four in-person young alumni events annually..
• As part of a broader social media engagement effort, and with the review and approval of the Director of Alumni Engagement, develop messages and posts on the Alumni Engagement social media platforms targeting young alumni.
• Identify and recruit volunteers for the 5th and 10th reunion classes each year.

General Alumni Engagement: Under the leadership and guidance of the Director of Alumni Engagement, support and assist with broader alumni engagement efforts.

• With the review and approval of the Director of Alumni Engagement, put together and distribute a monthly electronic newsletter.
• Assist with all aspects of preparation for major alumni events, especially Homecoming/Reunion Weekend and E&H in the City.
• Oversee student callers who are phoning alumni to encourage their participation in alumni events.

Young Alumni Philanthropy: Under the guidance of the Director of Annual Giving, develop and execute a comprehensive young alumni giving program to secure unrestricted and restricted current-use gifts.

• Personally solicit unrestricted and restricted current-use gifts.
• Identify young alumni “ambassadors” to serve as advocates among their peers for engagement with and support of the University.
• With the review and approval of the Director of Annual Giving, draft segmented direct mail and electronic solicitations targeted at young alumni.

Student Philanthropy:  Under the guidance of the Director of Annual Giving, develop and execute a comprehensive student giving program to secure unrestricted and restricted current-use gifts.

• With colleagues in Campus Life and Student Success, develop a comprehensive student philanthropy program that educates current students about the key role of philanthropy in the education they are receiving and seeks to instill a habit of giving to Emory & Henry.
• Manage any and all student class gift campaigns.

Other:

• Manages the student phonathon program.
• Assist the Director of Annual Giving with the production of all direct mail and electronic solicitations.

Miscellaneous: 

• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional relationships with colleagues, attending professional development seminars, and attending training and/or courses as required by Vice President for Advancement or Director of Annual Giving.
• Contributes to the overall success of the institution by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Previous experience in annual giving or direct marketing in a non-profit setting.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with a fundraising or direct marketing database required; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.
• Superlative writing skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to donors, alumni, colleagues and students.
• Ability to multi-task and advance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

This position may be required to work irregular work hours, including but not limited to, evenings and weekends. The work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.