Senior Philanthropy Officer

Employment Status: Administrative

Description of Key Responsibility:

• Manage a portfolio of prospects assigned by the Director of Philanthropy in consultation with the Director of Philanthropy, and the Vice President, for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship purposes that result in annual gifts, major gifts, multiyear pledge commitments, and will commitments to the College.

• Work with the Director of Philanthropy to create a 12 to 24-month strategic plan for each donor/prospect that will serve as a foundational communication plan for each person on the portfolio, and faithfully execute such plan for effective moves management.

• Advance campaign priorities including, but not limited to the Student Commons, Athletics Complex, and Soccer and Lacrosse Field. Campaign designations are subject to change contingent upon campaign season and presidential priorities.

• Serve as a member of the fundraising team; work to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects on an annual basis with a particular focus on leadership annual and major gift donors using moves management strategy to maximize financial support to the College.

• Utilize existing and supporting resources as well as technology to maximize time spent in donor-facing cultivation and solicitation activities that lead to securing major gifts. Use of the College’s donor database ( CRM ), reporting tools, and wealth screening information is a requirement.

• Work with alumni, parents, friends, faculty/staff and business entities of the College and the community to develop relationships leading to gifts and commitments for annual and capital campaigns.

• Complete and file timely reports of donor/prospect contacts. Responsible for maintaining individual donor/prospect records in the College’s donor database.

• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness.

• Support the College’s mission, vision and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.

• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.

• Ability and willingness to work outside the office. Normal workday hours including some evenings and weekends on an as needed basis.

• Other related duties as appropriately assigned.

• Out of area travel limited to an assigned territory.

OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the College’s mission, vision, and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.

• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Education/Training:

A baccalaureate degree in a professional program is required.

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of successful professional fundraising experience at higher-ed or other local community based nonprofit organizations, preferably major and/or planned gift experience, with a proven track record of meeting established goals and effectively soliciting gifts, and management of capital projects and/or capital campaigns is required. Fundraising experience in institutional advancement, particularly in an academic setting including communications and/or alumni relations desired. A candidate with a minimum 5 years of successful professional sales experience will be also considered.

Licenses or Certifications:

A valid Illinois driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

Position Summary:

The Senior Philanthropy Officer ( SPO ) is a visible member of the Institutional Advancement team who serves a critical role as an ambassador for the College, building strong and sustained relationships with constituents, including alumni, parents, friends and business/corporate entities. The focus is on institutional priority-based leadership gifts to the College including major gifts, annual support, capital project, planned giving commitments and helping to establish a pipeline for the next comprehensive campaign.