Annual Giving Programs Manager at Central College – PELLA, Iowa

Responsible to the Senior Director of Development and Engagement for strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program, securing increasing levels of annual, recurring gifts from all constituent groups. In addition to driving the annual fund program, the annual giving programs manager will also be responsible for working collaboratively to secure sponsorships for the college.

• In coordination with the senior director of development and engagement, establish goals and obtain annual support for Central College programs, with special emphasis on The Journey Scholarship Fund.
• Coordinate specific programs to solicit annual support for Central from alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff and local businesses including direct mail, text and e-mail campaigns, crowdfunding, matching gifts, online giving, social and digital media and co-branded products. This includes but is not limited to segmenting donors, developing programs for cultivation and organizing the optimum strategies to reach donors.
• Focus on effective brand communication and solicitation activities within specific market segments identified as having potential for the greatest growth. Educate and market to internal and external constituencies on annual giving and initiatives.
• Track research patterns of annual giving, current trends and emerging ideas in marketing, fundraising and related fields.
• Responsible for driving donor retention and annual renewal of gifts $1,000 and below by personal outreach, entering proposals and logging contact reports.
• In consultation with the senior director of development and engagement, drive and support strategy and efforts for local business solicitations for the college’s annual fund.
• In consultation with the senior director of development and engagement, develop, administer and evaluate an annual operational plan with metrics and goals that is reviewed quarterly for necessary updates.
• Coordinate communication to donors about scholarship recipients, including thank yous, and coordinate communication to students about their donors and named scholarships for Journey and collaborate with others on endowed scholarship donors and student recipients.
• Draft copy and proof copy for variety of revenue generating communications – most often related to the Journey Scholarship Fund and Ignite/crowdfunding projects but may also include recruitment communication flow.
• Drive and promote the college’s ignite fundraising program which will require meeting with students, faculty and staff.
• Work in partnership with communications to collaborate on Journey Scholarship mailings and solicitations.
• Responsible for learning and becoming a superuser in Ellucian CRM Advance.
• Responsible for reporting, pulling lists and providing analysis on the annual fund program.
• Help secure sponsorships and support sponsorship implementation.

Central College Brand Expectations:

• Demonstrate a network of caring relationships by showing respect for others, being dependable and promoting cooperation with others in the work environment.
• Be your best self by being accountable for responsibilities, adapting well to change and maintaining the highest standards of business ethics.
• Perform job responsibilities on campus to support the residential college environment.
• Strive to perform as effectively as possible while maintaining a high level of quality and promoting personal growth and development.
• Respect and comply with college rules and policies, including participation in required training courses; report any suspected violations of the Title IX policy to the Title IX Coordinator.

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with three to five years effective experience in fundraising, marketing, communications or data analytics preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of college leadership, align interests with external audiences, and integrate comprehensive strategies in order to meet goals.
• Interest in and curiosity for all aspects of higher education as a non-profit and a dedication to building relationships with faculty, staff, students, volunteers, alumni, donors and colleagues.
• Willingness to learn CRM Advance and be a power user of this tool for data, lists and segmentation.
• Ability to develop rapport quickly and communicate effectively and assertively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Professional attitude and appearance.