Director Of Annual Giving And Sponsorships

Are you passionate about learning and eager to contribute to a rebuilding effort with significant impact? Join our growing team on a beautiful campus in a vibrant city, where you'll work in a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing our institution's mission. We believe that a liberal arts education, a global perspective, and lifelong learning are essential to outstanding career preparation. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive college community aligns with our Dominican and Catholic identity.

As a key member of our Institutional Advancement team, you will partner with colleagues to develop and implement a plan for our annual giving and sponsorship programs. This includes multi-channel outreach, digital fundraising initiatives, and special events. You will manage a portfolio of annual giving prospects, cultivate relationships with potential sponsors, and secure and deliver on sponsorship agreements. If you have experience successfully designing and implementing outreach programs and/or marketing campaigns, and a drive for professional growth, we invite you to join us in making a significant impact on our institution and community.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

• Partner with colleagues in Institutional Advancement to develop and implement a strategic plan for the annual giving and sponsorship programs, including multi-channel outreach and digital fundraising initiatives.

• Secure new, renewed, or increased unrestricted funding from individuals through online giving, direct mail and digital campaigns, special events, and direct proposals.

• Develop sponsorship packages and cultivate relationships with potential sponsors.

• Negotiate and secure sponsorship agreements, ensuring fulfillment of sponsor benefits and ongoing communication.

• Manage a portfolio of annual giving prospects to retain and upgrade giving and foster connections with the college.

• Work collaboratively with marketing and communications teams to write and develop materials that promote annual giving and sponsorship opportunities.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, proposals and intentions.

• Coordinate acknowledgment letters, donor recognition events, and other activities to cultivate donor relationships.

• Recruit, train and coordinate the work of volunteer committees related to securing financial support for the college.

• Plan and execute fundraising events, including celebrations, giving days, and donor receptions.

• Communicate with students, faculty, and staff to cultivate a culture of philanthropy on campus.

• Partner with colleagues to manage and grow leadership giving clubs and societies.

• Monitor industry trends and best practices to ensure the college remains competitive in its fundraising efforts.

• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required with a minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, communications, project management or a related field.

• Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing outreach programs and/or marketing campaigns.

• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.

• Proficiency in donor management systems and software, such as Raiser's Edge or a similar CRM platform.

• High level of initiative, creativity, confidentiality, and resourcefulness, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for donor events and engagement activities, with occasional travel required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to function effectively in a busy environment with interruptions.

• Constant use of computer and telephone.

• Some occasional lifting (20-35 pounds)

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of "appreciative inquiry" to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.