Assistant/Associate Director of Class Philanthropy
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Full-time
Health Care Provider
Posted on April 8, 2024
OVERVIEW
Colby is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented assistant/associate director of class philanthropy and engagement to join Colby's Advancement team. Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement, the assistant/associate director manages a portfolio of annual giving prospects and class volunteers for a range of reunion classes, collaborates with advancement marketing and communications and other colleagues to develop multichannel annual giving campaigns, and engage a diverse network of alumni volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer solicitations in support of a 35%–40% participation goal, a $10M–$12M+ annual giving revenue goal, and demonstrated increase of a newly implemented engagement index.
This role collaboratively drives Advancement's efforts to grow and transform the traditional annual giving volunteer structure and expand Colby's engagement efforts. As a highly visible representative of the College, the assistant/associate director possesses an appreciation for the liberal arts college experience and a strong personal commitment to Colby's core values.
This is an exciting and defining moment in Colby's history, and the position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformational $1B campaign. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement, the assistant/associate director of class philanthropy and engagement has direct contact with division colleagues and key faculty and staff members across campus. This position has significant interaction with alumni, students, donors, prospects, visitors and outside constituencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every member of the community feels a sense of respect and belonging.
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
ABOUT COLBY COLLEGE:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Located in Waterville, Maine near the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, Colby College is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. Colby's focus on innovative and leading-edge programs that complement the traditional liberal arts—in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, genomics and computational biology, climate change and the environment, the arts and humanities, public policy, and performance studies, distinguish Colby from other schools of its size. Colby extends its reach, impact, and opportunities through external partnerships with globally recognized laboratories and medical facilities, arts organizations, and a wide array of business partners. The campus boasts beautiful new facilities including the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a best-in-class complex that has become a center for student activity; the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a downtown community-based arts building; the forthcoming Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which includes a start-of-the-art performance hall, studios, screening rooms, and a grand community space (opening in 2023). The College recently established the Island Campus in mid-coast Maine after acquiring the Allen and Benner Islands, once owned by the Wyeth family, to offer Colby students unique and timely cross disciplinary research opportunities in a range of academic disciplines, including the marine sciences and the arts.
Over the last seven years applications for admission have more than tripled, making Colby one of the most sought-after colleges in the country. The College's unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its rapidly changing student population. In recent years Colby has doubled both the number of enrolled Pell-eligible students and the number of enrolled students of color. Colby students, who come from throughout the U.S. and more than 70 countries, demonstrate unprecedented highs on every measure of academic achievement. Investments in financial aid (a 111 percent increase since 2014, to $58.6 million annually) and new programs are ensuring that all members of the community can thrive in this dynamic environment. Colby has raised $700 million toward its $750 million Dare Northward campaign goal, which was the largest campaign goal for a liberal arts college when it launched in 2017. Since 2014, the College's net assets have doubled to more than $2 billion, its record of fundraising has moved to the very top tier of liberal arts colleges, and it has rapidly expanded its faculty and staff to allow for new areas of inquiry, scholarship, and teaching, and to support record enrollments.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
Colby is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented assistant/associate director of class philanthropy and engagement to join Colby's Advancement team. Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement, the assistant/associate director manages a portfolio of annual giving prospects and class volunteers for a range of reunion classes, collaborates with advancement marketing and communications and other colleagues to develop multichannel annual giving campaigns, and engage a diverse network of alumni volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer solicitations in support of a 35%–40% participation goal, a $10M–$12M+ annual giving revenue goal, and demonstrated increase of a newly implemented engagement index.
This role collaboratively drives Advancement's efforts to grow and transform the traditional annual giving volunteer structure and expand Colby's engagement efforts. As a highly visible representative of the College, the assistant/associate director possesses an appreciation for the liberal arts college experience and a strong personal commitment to Colby's core values.
This is an exciting and defining moment in Colby's history, and the position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformational $1B campaign. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct and facilitate class giving and programs for assigned class range:
- Set annual class revenue and participation goals and support class committees in reaching annual goals
- Develop engagement strategies to mobilize volunteers in an effort to increase connections with the College to promote and foster a sense of pride among alumni classes and affinities
- Help collaborate and staff cohort-based event programming (virtual and in-person), including Homecoming, regional events, Reunion; may include event planning, RSVP management
- Create and manage class and affinity-based solicitations within the context of the Colby Fund including giving days, micro campaigns, and digital/print appeals
- Recruit, cultivate, and steward class volunteers, travel as needed
- Coordinate, develop and administer solicitation materials including emails, notes, texts, trainings and thank you messaging for volunteers
- Management of a portfolio via prospecting and reaching an annual meeting goal for the purposes of assessment, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and engagement
- Data Management
- Engage class managers regularly; provide guidance and direction to increase the growth of their alumni volunteer base and boost Colby Fund participation through direct peer-to-peer contact
- Establish and advise the senior class gift committee; recruit and train all student volunteers, manage the solicitation schedule, plan and coordinate events, and track progress to goals by creating outcome reporting
- Develop and maintain relationships with leaders of student campus organizations and of assigned alumni cohorts
- Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, including Marketing and Communications and Advancement Operations to identify additional points of evaluation, metrics, and analyses necessary for the effective assessment and management of assigned cohorts
- Contribute to efforts to foster growth and change in volunteer areas key to the mission of the College, including developing new protocol to reintroduce clearly defined expectations for volunteers, implement streamlined communication processes, and engage volunteers throughout the year beyond the traditional solicitation calendar cycle
- Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
- Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in education and experience
- Minimum of 1-3 years of event, program management, or equivalent experience
- Experience working with volunteers and/or students is strongly preferred
- Demonstrated success in making and closing annual fund asks is preferred
- Talent to manage multiple projects and priorities while working within deadlines to achieve ambitious goals
- Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve
- Talent to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to handle confidential information tactfully
- Highly developed computer skills including experience with Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with fundraising software such as GiveCampus and Raiser's Edge is a plus
- Willingness to travel on a regular basis and to work nights and weekends during specific times of the year (Homecoming, Reunion, Graduation, during giving campaigns, etc.)
- Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community
- Appreciation of Colby's mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
- An entrepreneurial spirit and proactive attitude
- Valid driver's license required and must meet the College's Fleet Safety Policy requirements
Reporting to the director of class philanthropy and engagement, the assistant/associate director of class philanthropy and engagement has direct contact with division colleagues and key faculty and staff members across campus. This position has significant interaction with alumni, students, donors, prospects, visitors and outside constituencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every member of the community feels a sense of respect and belonging.
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
ABOUT COLBY COLLEGE:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Located in Waterville, Maine near the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, Colby College is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. Colby's focus on innovative and leading-edge programs that complement the traditional liberal arts—in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, genomics and computational biology, climate change and the environment, the arts and humanities, public policy, and performance studies, distinguish Colby from other schools of its size. Colby extends its reach, impact, and opportunities through external partnerships with globally recognized laboratories and medical facilities, arts organizations, and a wide array of business partners. The campus boasts beautiful new facilities including the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a best-in-class complex that has become a center for student activity; the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a downtown community-based arts building; the forthcoming Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which includes a start-of-the-art performance hall, studios, screening rooms, and a grand community space (opening in 2023). The College recently established the Island Campus in mid-coast Maine after acquiring the Allen and Benner Islands, once owned by the Wyeth family, to offer Colby students unique and timely cross disciplinary research opportunities in a range of academic disciplines, including the marine sciences and the arts.
Over the last seven years applications for admission have more than tripled, making Colby one of the most sought-after colleges in the country. The College's unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its rapidly changing student population. In recent years Colby has doubled both the number of enrolled Pell-eligible students and the number of enrolled students of color. Colby students, who come from throughout the U.S. and more than 70 countries, demonstrate unprecedented highs on every measure of academic achievement. Investments in financial aid (a 111 percent increase since 2014, to $58.6 million annually) and new programs are ensuring that all members of the community can thrive in this dynamic environment. Colby has raised $700 million toward its $750 million Dare Northward campaign goal, which was the largest campaign goal for a liberal arts college when it launched in 2017. Since 2014, the College's net assets have doubled to more than $2 billion, its record of fundraising has moved to the very top tier of liberal arts colleges, and it has rapidly expanded its faculty and staff to allow for new areas of inquiry, scholarship, and teaching, and to support record enrollments.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
