Associate Director of Strategic Engagement

George Fox University•Newberg, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

George Fox University's Advancement Department is seeking a strategic, relational, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for the mission of the university to serve as their Associate Director of Strategic Engagement. About the Job: The Associate Director of Strategic Engagement plays a critical role in growing George Fox University's donor pipeline by designing and managing intentional engagement pathways for alumni, parents, friends of the university, and prospective supporters.This role reports to the Director of Alumni and Community Engagement but collaborates closely with each team in the division. In this role, you will identify and manage a pool of prospective and emerging donors, develop targeted engagement strategies to move individuals toward philanthropy, and partner closely with major gift officers to support donor cultivation. You will also lead philanthropic engagement for key affinity groups, ensuring engagement efforts are aligned, data-informed and focused on long-term relationship growth. This position requires collaboration across the Advancement Team, academic departments, and campus partners, along with some evening, weekend, and occasional travel commitments. A day in the life of this position: The Associate Director of Strategic Engagement is a key strategic partner within the Alumni and Community Engagement team and the broader Office of Advancement. On any given day, you may be analyzing prospect data, building engagement plans for emerging donors, coordinating affinity group programming, or collaborating with a gift officer on cultivation strategies. You will work cross-functionally with donor relations, major gifts, operations, and campus partners to ensure every engagement opportunity is intentional, relational, and moving individuals closer to philanthropy.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
A minimum of two years of experience in advancement, alumni relations, development, donor relations, or a closely related field involving relationship management and strategic engagement.
Proven ability to build rapport and engage effectively with alumni, parents, donors, students, and campus partners.
Experience developing and executing engagement strategies or plans that support fundraising or organizational growth.
Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate goals into actional plans and measurable outcomes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A high level of organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship; therefore, only applicants who do not require sponsorship for employment visas, now or at any point in the future, should apply.
A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity .
A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church.
In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Salesforce, Mailchimp, Monday.com, or other similar platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prospect Identification and Pipeline Growth (50%)
Strategic Investment Engagement Support (20%)
Strategic Affinity Engagement (20%)
Alumni Engagement and Communication Support (10%)
Working varied shifts to include mornings, extended evenings and weekends as needed.
Travelling for work related conferences, events, and constituent visits as needed.
Maintaining an understanding of fundraising and engagement best practices among Christian colleges.
Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Faith-friendly: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.
A strong Christian vision and mission-led organization with opportunities for your growth and contributions.
Wonderful Christian peers and a vibrant student population.
A beautiful, peaceful campus environment with areas to walk and coffee shops and restaurants close by.
Free Fitness Center membership.
Free parking.
Rich employee benefit package for eligible positions.