Rhode Island School of Design
Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs - Alumni + Students
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island, us, 02912
Job Summary
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs - Alumni + Students to join Institutional Advancement (IA).
Reporting to the Director, Annual Giving Programs, the Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs manages a portfolio of new and existing annual giving donors as well emerging philanthropy initiatives. This position plays a key strategic role in RISD's Annual Giving efforts as we work to establish a more robust culture of philanthropy both on campus and in the wider RISD alumni community.
In their frontline fundraising work, the Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs will employ an in-depth donor-centric management mindset to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing donors supporting RISD. They will develop an annual plan to cultivate and solicit a portfolio of prospective and current donors for annual support with a particular focus on recent alumni and student donors. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs creates personalized engagement plans for each assigned donor and conducts meaningful personal, local and virtual visits to secure gifts. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs also plays a vital role in building a robust donor pipeline, serving as a key conduit between the annual fund level and major gift level of giving.
The Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs will also play a crucial role as the divisional lead for RISD's Student Ambassador program and philanthropy initiatives for students and recent alumni. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs will recruit, train and supervise approximately 10-20 Student Ambassadors responsible for making calls to solicit/steward annual fund gifts, care calls in support of recent graduates and other crucial constituent outreach. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs works closely with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, to implement a strategic plan for the program as well as an overall strategy for recent alumni and student philanthropy programs aimed at broadening RISD's base of support.
The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
Essential Functions:
Frontline Fundraising Responsibilities
Tasked with executing solicitations and closing gifts to secure annual fund gifts for unrestricted and designated, current use purposes (Museum and College)
Conduct independent research through the Institutional Advancement database, Internet sources, and referrals from RISD representatives and volunteers to identify and appropriately engage prospective donors.
In conjunction with the combined assigned portfolio of current and prospective donors, conducts meaningful solicitation, stewardship, and cultivation visits either locally or virtually.
Develop and execute an annual solicitation plan for submitted proposals and gift closures providing gift projections of commitments.
Maintain a rigorous schedule of personal contacts with assigned prospects, creating moves management plans related to them that include strategies of engagement and solicitations.
Collaborate with the RISD Fund, Alumni + Family Relations, and Donor Engagement teams to leverage appropriate Alumni Association, 1877 Society, and volunteer opportunities for select prospective and current donors.
Seamlessly transition newly identified prospective and current donors with a major gift capacity to Philanthropy Officers for further relationship development.
Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT system, which identifies, assigns, rates, and tracks assigned prospects, to comply with department policies and procedures.
Program Responsibilities Supervises 10-20 Student Ambassadors. Responsibilities include conducting regular check-ins, closely monitoring performance and providing in-person guidance and support during calling hours.
Develops training materials and provides onboarding and training to Student Ambassadors on an ongoing basis.
Leads recruitment of students to ensure a robust roster of Student Ambassadors.
Collaborating with the Director, Annual Giving Programs and colleagues in Institutional Advancement, develops and maintains outreach materials, including call scripts, email templates, and more.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, determines constituent calling strategy, including scope of calling lists and constituent groups to be engaged by student ambassadors. Collaborates closely with colleagues in Advancement Services to ensure that calling lists are accurate and assigned appropriately.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, develops an annual strategy for the Student Ambassador program, outlining key goals and target metrics. On an ongoing basis, tracks and assesses program performance, providing regular updates and recommendations to the Director, Annual Giving Programs.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, implement a strategy to build successful recent alumni and student philanthropy programs that encourage giving and educate donors about the importance of their participation. Serves as the division point person for student philanthropy activities, including Give Back Graduate.
Implement and monitor performance of programs and evaluate effectiveness. Develop and recommend methods or strategies to maximize effectiveness and increase dollars and donors for the annual funds.
Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to assisting with planning, implementing and staffing key events and meetings, as needed.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising or similar transferable experience is required; experience in the higher education or nonprofit sector is preferred.
Customer service experience required. Strong preference for applicants with experience in initiating and securing a high volume of development visits and personally soliciting gifts.
Ability to work in a performance-based environment by tracking meeting goals, contacts, and raised dollars. Knowledge of the principles and practices of development and fundraising with an understanding of individual giving programs, such as direct mail, phone-a-thons and personal solicitation programs.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a proven ability to create and foster excellent relationships between donors and an organization.
Demonstrated ability to engage as a positive team member who establishes productive relationships, demonstrates respect and facilitates understanding by considering and integrating diverse viewpoints.
Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in a high-volume, high-accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
Exceptional organizational, logistical, time management, and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously. Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms. Preferred experience using NXT/Raiser's Edge.
Union: No Work Schedule: 35 hours per week; 12 months per year Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt; Regular Grade: 540EX Work Modality Hybrid Eligible Documents Needed to Apply: Resume (Required) Cover Letter (Required) Salary Grade Structure Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents. The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements. RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. For internal use only - Job Family: Development - Fundraising #J-18808-Ljbffr
Conduct independent research through the Institutional Advancement database, Internet sources, and referrals from RISD representatives and volunteers to identify and appropriately engage prospective donors.
In conjunction with the combined assigned portfolio of current and prospective donors, conducts meaningful solicitation, stewardship, and cultivation visits either locally or virtually.
Develop and execute an annual solicitation plan for submitted proposals and gift closures providing gift projections of commitments.
Maintain a rigorous schedule of personal contacts with assigned prospects, creating moves management plans related to them that include strategies of engagement and solicitations.
Collaborate with the RISD Fund, Alumni + Family Relations, and Donor Engagement teams to leverage appropriate Alumni Association, 1877 Society, and volunteer opportunities for select prospective and current donors.
Seamlessly transition newly identified prospective and current donors with a major gift capacity to Philanthropy Officers for further relationship development.
Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT system, which identifies, assigns, rates, and tracks assigned prospects, to comply with department policies and procedures.
Program Responsibilities Supervises 10-20 Student Ambassadors. Responsibilities include conducting regular check-ins, closely monitoring performance and providing in-person guidance and support during calling hours.
Develops training materials and provides onboarding and training to Student Ambassadors on an ongoing basis.
Leads recruitment of students to ensure a robust roster of Student Ambassadors.
Collaborating with the Director, Annual Giving Programs and colleagues in Institutional Advancement, develops and maintains outreach materials, including call scripts, email templates, and more.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, determines constituent calling strategy, including scope of calling lists and constituent groups to be engaged by student ambassadors. Collaborates closely with colleagues in Advancement Services to ensure that calling lists are accurate and assigned appropriately.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, develops an annual strategy for the Student Ambassador program, outlining key goals and target metrics. On an ongoing basis, tracks and assesses program performance, providing regular updates and recommendations to the Director, Annual Giving Programs.
In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving Programs, implement a strategy to build successful recent alumni and student philanthropy programs that encourage giving and educate donors about the importance of their participation. Serves as the division point person for student philanthropy activities, including Give Back Graduate.
Implement and monitor performance of programs and evaluate effectiveness. Develop and recommend methods or strategies to maximize effectiveness and increase dollars and donors for the annual funds.
Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to assisting with planning, implementing and staffing key events and meetings, as needed.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising or similar transferable experience is required; experience in the higher education or nonprofit sector is preferred.
Customer service experience required. Strong preference for applicants with experience in initiating and securing a high volume of development visits and personally soliciting gifts.
Ability to work in a performance-based environment by tracking meeting goals, contacts, and raised dollars. Knowledge of the principles and practices of development and fundraising with an understanding of individual giving programs, such as direct mail, phone-a-thons and personal solicitation programs.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a proven ability to create and foster excellent relationships between donors and an organization.
Demonstrated ability to engage as a positive team member who establishes productive relationships, demonstrates respect and facilitates understanding by considering and integrating diverse viewpoints.
Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in a high-volume, high-accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
Exceptional organizational, logistical, time management, and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously. Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms. Preferred experience using NXT/Raiser's Edge.
Union: No Work Schedule: 35 hours per week; 12 months per year Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt; Regular Grade: 540EX Work Modality Hybrid Eligible Documents Needed to Apply: Resume (Required) Cover Letter (Required) Salary Grade Structure Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents. The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements. RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. For internal use only - Job Family: Development - Fundraising #J-18808-Ljbffr