Associate Director of Philanthropy

East Texas A&M University • Commerce, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Philanthropy acts in conjunction with the Philanthropy & Engagement team, managing a personal portfolio of 75 – 100 major gift (currently defined as $25,000+) prospects and donors. The primary focus of this position will be to identify and cultivate relationships with alumni and friends in order to actively solicit major outright and estate gifts on behalf of the University, its colleges, and priority programs, and in alignment with the University’s and Division’s strategic plans. Develops, coordinates, and maintains comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects. Works closely with deans, Alumni Association and Foundation Board members, philanthropy operations, and other faculty and staff to promote and grow a robust culture of philanthropy to meet the financial goals of the institution.
ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of relational fundraising and excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to articulate needs and goals that motivate meaningful gifts.
• Outstanding organization and time management skills to function efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated environment.
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and strategic thinking.
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools.
• Ability to multitask, follow through, and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage numerous multi-phased proposals and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to quickly learn and utilize people, resources, and information across the campus.
• Valid Driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

• Higher Education fundraising and/or face-to-face solicitation experience.
• Database application experience.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects in collaboration with directors of philanthropy, deans, faculty, and the Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Advances at least 12 solicitations each year at the major gift level.
• Conducts donor visits regularly with a goal of 100 - 120 meaningful visits per year, including qualifying at least 24 prospects per year.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations within and external to the University community.
• Proactively pursues major and planned gift fundraising initiatives, helping ensure and execute appropriate donor recognition and stewardship.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, performs research regarding individuals’ giving capacity, interests, and giving history.
• Updates actions, such as donor visits, gift opportunities, communications, and moves management in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Collaborates with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned initiatives and program areas, ensuring that the Philanthropy & Engagement team and other stakeholders are aware of key fundraising and engagement opportunities.
• Achieves performance goals, as outlined in the Division’s strategic plan and by the Director of Philanthropy.
• Regularly attends and participates in community and university-wide functions and alumni events.
• Regularly attends and participates in division meetings and retreats.
• Maintains a schedule of professional development and training in appropriate areas, including fundraising, operations (annual Raiser’s Edge training), and others as identified or needed.
• Provides flexible officing from the Dallas and Commerce campuses, with the primary location being the Commerce campus.

Benefits

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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