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Title: Annual Giving Program Specialist

VP Area: VP University Advancement

Department: Assoc. VP, Org. Effectiveness

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: Occasional Telework Available

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

The Annual Giving Program Specialist is responsible for broadening the base of private gift support from alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students to increase the level of annual financial support for the university. The position will develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy and program to attract and retain donors to Gonzaga University in alignment with university goals and priorities. There will be a primary focus on conceptualizing, managing and implementing the initiatives that drive support for the university’s annual fund (Fund for Gonzaga, Gonzaga Parents Fund and the Zag Scholarship Fund).

Essential Functions:

• 70% - Program Development & Management - Develop and implement an annual giving program to meet annual fundraising goals in alignment University Advancement priorities:
  • Grow major priorities of Gonzaga’s Annual Fund, both in dollar amounts, participation levels and donor retention Create and execute multi-channel fundraising communications plan for the Annual Fund (direct mail, email, digital, text etc.) to meet annual goals and objectives.
  • Work closely with communications team on the branding and marketing of the Annual Fund Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and alumni volunteers to develop engaging donor-centric fundraising programs and events, with clear goals and objectives.
  • Analyze annual giving program performance and results on monthly basis to evaluate effectiveness and refine strategies as needed.
  • Provide quarterly updates to Advancement leadership on donor and dollar behaviors and fundraising progress; engage with unit leadership (Law School, Athletics) on timely notification related to donor trends and course-correcting strategies when needed.
  • Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues to integrate giving strategies and messaging into planned events and engagement as appropriate.
  • Recruit, train and effectively leverage a team of student outreach officers to solicit prospects in multi-channel efforts such as phone, text, email, video, direct mail or in-person events.
  • Provide review, consultation and approval for student club or student-led fundraising initiatives in compliance within gift accounting guidelines, best practices and adherence to donor bill of rights.
  • Manage the process and implementation of crowdfunding campaigns, ensuring compliance with university protocols and accounting while supporting the promotion strategies for each crowdfunding project.
• 20% - Communications Support
  • As a member of the Advancement Communications Team, provide support to overall communications operation and multi-channel platforms as needed, including serving as backup for colleagues. 
• 10% - Other Duties, as assigned by the department, including but not limited to:
  • Develop and manage the annual giving budget in alignment with programming.
  • Manage special projects as needed.
  • Identify, recruit and train volunteer leadership as needed.
  • Assist with broader Alumni Relations and University Advancement initiatives and events.

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Skills & Abilities:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Proficient in English written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated time management, punctuality, and priority setting skills

Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Strong customer service skills

High analytical capability, with ability to identify issues, compare data and resolve discrepancies

Excellent project management skills

Knowledge of fundraising best practices

Ability to work collaboratively and independently, asking for input when needed.

Ability to perform successfully as part of a highly relational team

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in higher education

Experience with Salesforce, Blackbaud, EverTrue or other fundraising CRM software programs

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 3 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Often (50%-75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Often (50%-75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $20.00 - $24.13/hr

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): 20

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): 24.13

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): 28.96

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False