Digital Gift Officer

Washington and Lee University seeks a highly organized Digital Gift Officer to support the University's fundraising priorities through strategic donor engagement and qualification. Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the Digital Gift Officer will manage a large segment of alumni, parents, and friends using a multi-channel outreach strategy that includes phone, email, text messaging, virtual meetings, and other digital communication tools. This position serves as a critical bridge between…

annual giving and major gifts by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors while uncovering prospects with the capacity and inclination for leadership and major gift philanthropy.

The Digital Gift Officer will employ a disciplined moves-management approach to build meaningful relationships at scale, increase participation and support for the W&L Fund, and develop a robust pipeline of prospects for leadership annual giving and major gift fundraising. The successful candidate will thrive in a data-informed environment, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the University's mission through philanthropy.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

Manages and actively engages a portfolio of assigned alumni, parents, and friends through personalized outreach designed to increase annual fund participation, secure leadership-level gifts, and identify prospects for future major gift cultivation.
Conducts discovery conversations and qualification meetings to assess philanthropic interests, engagement, giving capacity, and readiness for further cultivation. Documents all interactions and maintains accurate constituent records within the University's fundraising and engagement systems.
Develops and executes strategic communication plans for assigned prospects using a variety of channels, including email, telephone, text messaging, video messaging and conferencing, and other digital engagement tools. Creates individualized cultivation strategies and establishes next steps to advance prospects through the donor pipeline.
Solicits annual fund and leadership annual giving commitments, and partners with colleagues across University Advancement to enhance donor engagement and retention.
Identifies and refers qualified prospects to major gift officers and other fundraising staff, providing detailed information regarding donor interests, philanthropic priorities, and engagement history.
Utilizes fundraising software, reporting tools, and portfolio management systems to track activity, monitor progress toward goals, analyze results, and support data-driven decision-making.
Collaborates with colleagues across Advancement to support fundraising initiatives, campaign priorities, volunteer engagement efforts, and donor stewardship activities.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required.
Two or more years of professional experience required, preferably in fundraising, sales, marketing, customer relationship management, higher education, or a related field involving relationship building and constituent engagement.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish relationships through virtual and digital channels.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information, interpret data, and use technology effectively to support outreach and engagement strategies.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of Washington and Lee University and an appreciation for the role of philanthropy in supporting higher education.
Fundraising experience is preferred, particularly within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or annual giving programs.
Experience with fundraising, constituent relationship management (CRM), or donor management software is preferred. Experience with Slate for Advancement or similar advancement platforms is highly desirable.

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Digital Gift Officer

Washington and Lee University

204 W Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450, USA