Leadership Giving Officer

Furman University • Lexington, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Leadership Giving Officer is a member of an ambitious Development team responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a portfolio of 250-300 households. The objective is to secure annual leadership level commitments ($2,500-$99,999), primarily through personal meetings. The Leadership Giving Officer is a front-line fundraiser who manages a portfolio covering a geographic territory (travel commitment averages 2-3 nights away per month). The position is hybrid based in Greenville, SC. At Furman, we embrace meaningful diversity and equality as embodied by both implicit values and explicit practices in all of our endeavors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1 or more years of related experience in sales or fundraising
• Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with donors, prospects, students, alumni, parents and friends of all ages
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form
• Self-confidence, strong organizational skills, and effective time management skills
• Ability to represent the University and to work effectively in a team environment with a mix of alumni and colleagues
• Ability to travel to assigned territories for donor meetings as needed (approximately 2-3 nights away per month)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of fundraising, volunteer management or sales
• Working knowledge of Excel and The Raisers Edge
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of individual giving
• Experience and demonstrated success in soliciting gifts in the $2,500+ range
• Prior experience in a University setting

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a moves management strategy (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship) for individuals with capacity to give annually at leadership level ($2,500-$99,999), with an emphasis on solicitation to secure $300,000 or more annually.
• Utilize Plus Delta methodology to strategically influence and encourage donors to achieve their philanthropic goals and cultivate sustainable fundraising relationships.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 250-300 Leadership Giving and Young Benefactor prospects/donors through 12-15 in-person donor meetings per month in assigned geographic territory (or via Zoom as appropriate).
• Meet agreed upon fundraising metrics as defined by supervisor, including donor meetings, proposals, dollar goals, and leadership level asks.
• Collaborate with colleagues within Development and across campus to ensure that fundraising strategies align with University priorities and to develop an integrated approach for cultivating and stewarding prospects.
• Complete phone solicitations at the end of the calendar year and the fiscal year to those not personally reached or as reminder calls for donors.
• Be an ambassador of the University. Act professionally while strengthening relationships between the University and its supporters.
• Participate in and attend Furman events as required. These include but are not limited to Homecoming, Parent & Family Weekend, Bell Tower Ball, Dins Day, Furman Engaged, and athletics and campaign events when necessary.
• Utilize dashboard tools in The Raisers Edge to efficiently plan and conduct portfolio work, including constituent contact, portfolio research and reports, and records upkeep.
• Complete performance review process with supervisor and semi-annual reviews with Prospect Management to understand expectations, progress, and how these affect departmental and University goals.
• Utilize online reporting system to manage budget, enter receipts and track expenses.
• Use travel resources efficiently to maximize donor meetings with top prospects.
• Review fundraising trade journals, books, and online groups to improve Leadership Giving and develop enhanced solicitation strategies.
• Forge relationships with colleagues at other institutions and organizations in an effort to learn best practices in the industry.
• Participate in at least one professional development program each year, if appropriate, in an effort to improve job skills and acquire broader knowledge of fundraising techniques.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits for domestic partners of employees
• Faculty/staff affinity groups exist to offer support for faculty/staff that identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or Black/African-American.

What This Job Offers

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