Assistant Director of Donor Experience I

Title: Assistant Director of Donor Experience 1

Location: Cleveland, OH 

Work Type: Hybrid, Full Time

Job ID: 14471

Job Description:

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $49,257 and $62,311, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Reporting to director of leadership annual giving and donor experience, the assistant director of donor experience is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of annual gifts from donors, alumni, parents, and friends with the responsibility of increasing retention and acquisition of donors. The incumbent will be a highly motivated professional deeply involved in building a donor pipeline to support universitys fundraising goals using a variety of cutting-edge digital engagement tools to conduct personal outreach with their assigned portfolio. Functioning as a member of the central annual fund team, the assistant director is a generalist and is skilled at representing multiple schools/units and discussing priorities across the university. The incumbent is an excellent collaborator and works closely with school-based and central development and alumni relations colleagues. The assistant director of donor experience is responsible for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of annual gifts from donors, alumni, parents and friends with the responsibility of increasing retention and acquisition of donors. The incumbent will be a highly motivated professional deeply involved in building a donor pipeline to support university;s fundraising goals using a variety of cutting-edge digital engagement tools to conduct personal outreach with their assigned portfolio. Functioning as a member of the central annual giving team, the associate director will work in partnership with school and college development colleagues and to raise local, regional, state, national, and international support and build the universitys major gift pipeline

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage and build relationships with a portfolio of 750 - 1,000 annual giving prospects consisting of donors, alumni, parents, and friends with a giving potential in the range of $1,000 - $10,000; develop and implement strategic cultivation and solicitation strategies to develop relationships with these donors with an emphasis on achieving defined revenue and retention goals. Through the cultivation process, identify prospects that have the capacity and inclination to make a major or planned gift to the university. Work with school-based and central colleagues as well as partners in the Office of Strategic Giving to advance gift conversations to fruition. (50%)
• Establish a regular cadence of engagement touchpoints using a variety of in person and digital channels including social media platforms, email, text, and video to build rapport and ensure consistent and relevant donor communication that highlights impact of gift. Steward and solicit donors in a targeted, high-velocity manner to support the universitys annual giving fundraising goals. (25%)
• In conjunction with the director, design and implement the long-term strategy for a comprehensive annual giving digital engagement fundraising program that appropriately and consistently strengthens relationships between donors and the university. Design and implement strategies for the continued growth and evolution of annual giving fundraising efforts leveraging digital platforms and technologies to successfully retain, reactivate, and acquire new donors and to inspire philanthropic giving to the university. Develop new digital engagement fundraising strategies, including customized strategies, to engage donors, alumni, parents, and friends to raise private support for the university. Responsible for donor and prospect management with a strong concentration on retention, renewal, and acquisition. Review and analyze data and benchmark program progress. Provide regular feedback and prepare reports regarding the success of activities and recommend future direction. Keep abreast of new practices in donor engagement metrics and analytics, and higher education philanthropy. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Become an expert in the engagement and giving opportunities across the university to customize experiences and opportunities for individual prospects. (5%)
• Collaborate with colleagues to help align donors¿ philanthropic interests with various priorities across campus. Make donor referrals to central and school-based development officers, as appropriate. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the executive director, directors, and manager of department. Contact with staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Contact with the college and professional school development staff, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Contact with alumni, parents, friends of the university and vendors as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Infrequent contact with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No staff supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: At least 3 years of professional work experience in a related field required, preferably at least 1 year of fundraising experience.

Education: Bachelors degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Creative approach to strategically engaging members of an assigned portfolio, at mass and at a one-to-one level.
• Experience with digital platforms for engaging potential and current donors and embracing innovative approaches to fundraising using technology.
• Ability to inspire and share stories of impact verbally and through visual mediums.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships and actively contribute as a member of working teams to achieve results. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, take initiative, set priorities, and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated optimism, perseverance, and a positive attitude.
• High degree of energy, creativity, flexibility, organization, and interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Available to work outside of regular office hours as required.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment; occasional nights and weekend hours.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.