Assistant Director, Student & Young Alumni Giving

Union College • Schenectady, NY

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Student & Young Alumni Philanthropy leads the strategic development and execution of programs designed to build a culture of giving among students and recent graduates. This role directs the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) program, manages student philanthropy initiatives, and oversees the Annual Giving Phonathon program, directly contributing to the College’s engagement and fundraising goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and two or more years of experience in annual giving, development, alumni relations, or related fields, or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
• Strong understanding of philanthropy trends and best practices in higher education fundraising.
• Experience in managing and motivating student workers or volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies for students and young alumni.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and foster an inclusive environment among students, alumni, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in data analysis and utilizing metrics to inform decision-making.
• Familiarity with fundraising software and Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel, work occasional weekends, and participate in evening events as required.
• Passion for higher education and the mission of the College.
• Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion the GOLD program, driving a volunteer-led fundraising strategy for young alumni.
• Collaborate with Alumni & Parent Engagement to align philanthropic initiatives with broader engagement goals.
• Oversee the GOLD Committee to develop initiatives that increase young alumni participation.
• Lead fundraising efforts for 1st, 5th, and 10th ReUnion Committees.
• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of GOLD leadership donors and prospects, strategically advancing relationships to identify major gift potential.
• Expand student philanthropy program, including the senior class gift campaign, to educate students on the impact of giving.
• Recruit and lead the Senior Class Gift Committee to champion the class campaign.
• Oversee a dynamic Phonathon program that integrates with the Annual Giving solicitation strategy.
• Analyze performance data and prepare statistical reports for the Director of Annual Giving to refine program efficacy.
• Recruit, train, and mentor student workers, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance environment that motivates student callers to achieve fundraising goals.
• Participates in the development and execution of an annual strategic plan for the Office of Annual Giving.
• Staff College Relations events as needed, including Homecoming and Family Weekend and ReUnion.
• Contribute to other campus initiatives and key college priorities if and when opportunities arise.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level