Advancement Officer

Frederick, Maryland•Frederick, MD

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Advancement and working with a larger team of development officers and College administrators, the Advancement Officer (AO) will actively drive fundraising efforts from individual donors with a focus on annual giving and leadership giving to the annual fund to advance priorities for Hood College. The AO will focus on marketing and communications to segmented donor prospects and manage a portfolio of approximately 75-80 donors and prospects. Must be available to work some weekends, evenings and travel. Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required with Master’s degree preferred.
A minimum of three years of fundraising experience, preferably in a higher education institution, with a demonstrated successful track record of annual fund program design and implementation, and personal solicitation.
Management/supervisory experience a plus.
Effective data-analysis skills, ability to synthesize wealth-screening data including benchmarking individual solicitation efforts as well as tracking overall progress towards monetary and participation goals.
Strong marketing and communications skills especially in message development to various segments, writing and design of fundraising appeals.
Experience with managing a fundraising portfolio of donors and prospects.
Ability to lead within a collaborative, team-oriented environment that includes colleagues in the immediate division as well as cross-campus departments.
Motivated, results-oriented team leader who will foster annual giving activity within a moves management system that supports the identification and development of prospects.

Nice To Haves

Technology Skills Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet.
Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications (Millennium).
Language Skills Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information and knowledgeably respond to questions from donors, alumni, top management, and members of the board of trustees.
Mathematical Skills Proficient with statistical and financial concepts.
Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports.
Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.
Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans.
Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Annual Giving Program Management (45%) Responsible for managing and implementing an annual giving marketing plan utilizing creative direct mail (outsourced), electronic communications, social media and telemarketing (phonathon), and in-person solicitations.
Enhance segmentation for all College constituents for targeting marketing to increase fundraising success.
Provide ongoing evaluation of the program and recommend strategic revision and goals reflecting the College’s strategic plan.
With others, manage the budget for the Annual Giving program and analyzes the cost effectiveness and yield of individual program components.
Works closely with other staff members to ensure the success of meeting or exceeding goals and objectives of the annual giving fundraising effort.
Collaborate with the Alumni Engagement staff to strengthen the connection between the College and its alumni that results in ongoing financial support.
Works to achieve the overall reunion giving and provides guidance to prospect managers who are assigned to work with individual classes.
Works with the Office of Marketing and Communications to create marketing materials including brochures, specialized stationery, advertisements, etc. to inspire support.
Prospect Management (40%) Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-80 President’s Club donors and prospect capable of making yearly gifts of $3,000 - $10,000.
Conduct discovery, qualification and stewardship visits.
Identify giving patterns to assist with the determination of appropriate segments for focused solicitations, marketing, and invitations.
Supports a comprehensive management program that cultivates donors to increasingly higher levels of support.
Work with Prospect Researcher to conduct ongoing prospect research to expand and refine portfolio.
Maintains a working knowledge of major gifts and planned giving, as well as an awareness of, and familiarity with, restricted gift opportunities.
Supervisory Responsibilities (15%) Carries out supervisory responsibilities as they may occur in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, addressing complaints and resolving problems.