Job Details

Posting Number: S000935

Position Title: Senior Philanthropy Officer

Department: Institutional Advancement

Division: Institutional Advancement

Supervisor Title: Director of Philanthropy

Status: Full Time Regular

Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

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.

Description of Key Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Complete and file timely reports of donor/prospect contacts. Responsible for maintaining individual donor/prospect records in the College’s donor database.
8. 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.
9. Support the College’s mission, vision and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.
10. Ability and willingness to work outside the office. Normal workday hours including some evenings and weekends on an as needed basis.
11. Other related duties as appropriately assigned.
12. Out of area travel limited to an assigned territory.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills are critical to the success of any organization that deals with customers. Effective communication can enhance retention and visibility, helping North Central College distinguish itself from competitors. An individual in this position must possess the proficiency, understanding, and knowledge of principles and processes necessary to provide high-quality service and ensure success for both internal and external customers of the College.

1. Ability to consistently demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills in dealing with persons both internal and external to the College.
2. Knowledge and understanding of, commitment to, and ability to effectively articulate the College’s organization, operation, philosophy and vision for the future.
3. Ability to effectively conduct several activities, each in a different stage of development, concurrently, and to do so with minimal direct supervision. This requires a person who is well organized, detail oriented and flexible.
4. Ability to manage several fundraising campaign/appeal projects at once working independently as well as a member of cross-functional team to achieve both individual and department fundraising goals.
5. Ability to work consistently within established timelines and accurately track all tasks to timely completion to adhere to deadlines.
6. Ability to, at times, work effectively within groups where membership and leadership may not be constant.
7. Ability to perform general administrative tasks necessary to efficiently manage a particular function.
8. Ability to utilize mathematical skills necessary for compiling, summarizing and analyzing data.
9. Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt and incorporate new technologies required.
10. Excellent communication skills, especially listening, writing and presentation skills.
11. Ability, and inclination, to exercise discretion with regard to personal and confidential information.
12. Proven ability to engage with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, inspire trust and confidence, and develop strong relationships that lead to successful solicitations.
13. Energetic, motivated and self-directed approach combined with excellent verbal, written and public presentation skills; solid organization, planning and follow-through abilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of donors to obtain annual, major, and planned/estate gifts for the College’s institutional initiatives. This candidate should cultivate, negotiate, close, and finalize the terms of new gifts and/or planned/estate gifts, with the advice and input of development and administrative colleagues at the College. They should work with College representatives including faculty and staff to move prospects toward a major gift through individual meetings, phone calls, and written correspondence.

The Senior Philanthropy Officer will have autonomy in executing specific fundraising projects; including active participation and management of assigned tasks. The SPO is responsible for growing and implementing additional giving efforts; developing, organizing, managing, and implementing short and long-range fundraising plans, goals, and strategies, all aimed at increasing giving, participation and involvement from these constituencies.

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.