Annual Giving Officer

We seek a highly motivated, success-driven professional who is excited to make a difference in the lives of Plymouth State’s students by engaging alumni and friends to inspire their philanthropic support. The Annual Giving Officer is a key member of the University Advancement development team, dedicated to increasing philanthropic support of students and helping to connect alumni and friends with the University. This role will be crucial in building the foundation for transformational gifts in years to come. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Development and is a full-time, benefited position. The development team is collaborative, innovated, and committed to transforming Plymouth State students’ lives. All members of the University Advancement division work evenings and weekends regularly. Some travel is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in fund raising, volunteer work, public relations, sales or related fields or Associate’s degree and three years of related experience.
• Sales and organizational skills.
• Tact, diplomacy, and ability to work well with people.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• High level of motivation and assertiveness.
• Organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in database and reporting software, including experience in using Raiser's Edge or similar donor software.
• Ability to work independently and travel.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a front-line fundraiser to achieve current use fundraising goals for the University.
• Manages and actively cultivates a portfolio of alumni, donors, and prospects. Makes personal solicitation visits/calls and establishes relationships to retain and grow the University donor base.
• Persuasively articulate the case for support to motivate individuals toward gifts and pledges of up to $25,000 to build major gift and planned giving pipeline.
• Assists in the development and implementation of engagement and fundraising plans for prospects as a moves management tool. They include regular communications, networking mixers, reunions, annual events, award ceremonies, scholarship-related events, and other activities.
• Collaborate with on-campus constituencies to develop, advise, and execute their giving plans.
• Serve as primary staff for assigned fundraising project or priority. Develop in-depth knowledge of the priority; identify and prepare its spokespeople, and strategize on its case and other marketing efforts. Track progress toward the project or priority goal and all prospective donor work related to the priority.
• Works with faculty, staff, and the student body at large to establish a culture of philanthropy at the University.
• Educate other stakeholders as needed about philanthropy and empower volunteers to act as peer fundraisers.