Reporting to the Associate Vice President of the Division of Institutional Advancement, the Director of Development and Alumni Engagement will lead the strategic direction and operations of the Annual Fund as well as Alumni Relations for Barton College. This role will contribute to the overall success of the IA Office, ensuring retention and growth in our Annual Fund (currently at $1M per year), as well as building relationships between the College and our alumni to increase alumni engagement in College activities and alumni giving, with a goal of increasing alumni giving to 10% by 2030. We are seeking an outgoing, organized, seasoned development professional, who understands the importance of relationship management, the importance of engagement and stewardship, and how to leverage “many-to-many” fundraising strategies (including traditional annual fund appeals and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns) to grow our base of supporters. This role will also oversee the management and execution of IA events that are critical to our donor cultivation and stewardship activities, including Homecoming, Athletic Hospitality events, and regional alumni gatherings.
Job Responsibilities
- Responsible for the management of Barton’s development efforts as it relates to annual giving strategies focused on the whole donor cycle for our donors, alumni, parents, friends, employees, and companies. This work includes overseeing the design, implementation, and management of all annual giving solicitations, peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns (Clash of the Bulldogs in the fall and Giving Day in the spring), campaigns for specialty groups on campus, such as the Bulldog Club and Cultural Arts, and stewardship activities, including events, for these constituencies.
- Responsible for the management of Barton’s alumni relations efforts, including regional events, Homecoming weekend and events, an alumni newsletter, as well as leveraging engagement opportunities by other divisions to include alumni involvement.
- In partnership with the Associate Vice President of IA, develop strategies for donor acquisition and growth, with a special focus on growing alumni giving.
- Serve as ex-officio member of the Alumni Association Board and lead staff liaison to the Alumni Association Board President.
- Manage the Development and Alumni Relations team – currently two team members – to ensure this department’s success.
- Manage a portfolio of lead annual donors and working with the AVP of Leadership Giving work on growing a portfolio of mid-major donors to help build the major gift pipeline.
- Work with the Advancement Team to create and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule for the annual fund.
- Analyze and report on the performance of the annual giving program throughout the fiscal year as well as reporting on the success of our events and alumni engagement efforts.
- Provide accurate and timely activity reports in our donor database.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. Travel around the region and to other areas of the country as well as evening and weekend work hours may be required.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend, or lift up to 20 pounds. Contact with the public and people in general office environments may risk exposure to a variety of behaviors, and other risks accordingly. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Desired Education, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required, and advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of development experience including demonstrated success in individual giving, corporate giving, alumni giving, volunteer management, and special events fundraising and management.
- Ability to manage team members.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, as well as good judgement and ability to handle confidential / sensitive information with discretion.
- Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Experience with moves management including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Experience with digital fundraising, peer-to-peer fundraising, managing website promotions and giving days.
- Experience with fundraising data management systems; Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT is highly desirable.
- Optimistic attitude, self-motivated, and eager to be part of an emerging team.
Application Process
Please submit a current resume and contact information for at least three professional references (all should be MS Word or PDF format) to People & Support, at employment@barton.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Barton College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and welcomes all applicants. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Any claims of discrimination for Title IX or otherwise should be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Victoria A. Morris, at P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893, or at 252-399-6330 or vamorris@barton.edu.