Advancement Specialist

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

Under the direction of the Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Advancement, the Advancement Specialist manages and supports strategic software projects, alumni engagement initiatives, fundraising events, and marketing efforts that support the University's fundraising and stewardship goals. This position serves as the primary administrator for multiple advancement platforms, coordinates cross-functional projects across university departments, and ensures the successful execution of donor stewardship, scholarship management, communications, and alumni engagement activities.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead planning and execution of Advancement projects by coordinating timelines, workflows, cross-functional communication, and operational priorities to support fundraising, alumni relations, and strategic institutional initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute multiple annual signature Advancement events, regional alumni events, online fundraising events, and additional donor and alumni engagement programs. Some events may require occasional evening and weekend availability.
• Create and maintain event registration systems, sponsorship tracking, financial spreadsheets, attendee databases, vendor coordination, signage management, volunteer coordination, and operational documentation for Advancement events.
• Administer Advancement technology platforms including Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, NetCommunity, ScholarshipUniverse, CRM systems, Canva, and related software by maintaining databases, managing users, creating reports, configuring workflows, and ensuring data accuracy.
• Manage the University's ScholarshipUniverse platform, including scholarship configuration, application cycles, review committee administration, award processes, donor and recipient communications, reporting, and coordination with Financial Aid and Information Technology.
• Develop and manage digital marketing and communication campaigns through email marketing, website updates, and alumni communications to increase participation and donor engagement.
• Manage Advancement social media accounts and digital content by creating graphics, scheduling campaigns, developing promotional materials, maintaining branding standards, and monitoring audience engagement.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Marketing, Information Technology, Financial Aid, and other university departments to implement website updates, marketing campaigns, CRM integrations, scholarship processes, and institutional communications.
• Create and maintain comprehensive operational documentation, process guides, workflow procedures, and training materials to improve departmental efficiency, consistency, and knowledge transfer.
• Perform related duties as necessary to support the University of Bridgeport's mission.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions :

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Must be detail-oriented
• Excellent time management skills
• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Process information quickly and accurately
• Able to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume environment

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3-5 years' experience working in education, preferably in Advancement or Development environments.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office specifically Access, Excel, and Word.
• Experience with Higher Education software platforms is a bonus, particularly Advancement software such as Raiser's Edge, Net Community, Ellucian, Frontrush, and Omatic.

Physical and Mental Requirements:


Work Environment


None


Under 1/3


1/3 to 2/3


Over 2/3


Outdoor Weather Conditions


X


Work with fumes or airborne particles


X


Work near moving mechanical parts


X


Risk of electrical shock


X


Vibration


X

Physical Activity


None


Under 1/3


1/3 to 2/3


Over 2/3


Standing


X


Walking


X


Sitting


X


Talking & Hearing


X


Using hands/fingers to handle/feel


X


Climbing or balancing


X


Bending, pulling, pushing


X


Driving


X

Lifting Requirements


None


Under 1/3


1/3 to 2/3


Over 2/3


Up to 10 pounds


X


Up to 25 pounds


X


Up to 50 pounds


X


Up to 75 pounds


X


Up to 100 pounds


X


Over 100 pounds


X

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules/ work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.