Development associate

Development associate

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

POSITION SUMMARY
The development associate builds relationships with and solicits gifts from constituents of Bluffton University including alumni, friends and business/corporate partners. He/she works with members of the development team to plan and implement a variety of strategies to secure and grow annual and major gifts, planned gifts and estate commitments. He/she works as a member of the university’s advancement team (alumni engagement, development and public relations) with the goal of growing constituent engagement and support for the university’s mission, students and programs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Constituent relations and development:
  • Build relationships with current donors and prospects to grow annual and long-term support
  • Develop focused donor strategies for approximately 150 constituents
  • Steward donor relationships to help secure major gifts and estate commitments
  • Collaborate with the development team to implement and achieve annual giving objectives
  • Identify and develop new donor prospects for funding initiatives and campaigns
  • Grow donor participation by planning, implementing and managing alumni reunion events
• Advancement program and initiatives:
  • Assist in hosting a variety of constituent events on campus and in regional locations including alumni and donor recognition, athletics, business and corporate partners
  • Contribute to strategic efforts to grow alumni engagement including by younger alumni

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND GROWTH AREAS

• Discovery: Demonstrates both Job and professional knowledge, and continuously learns.
• Community: Actively collaborates, applies teamwork principles and communicates effectively.
• Respect: Values differences, works at resolving conflict, shows respect and builds trust.
• Service: Achieves needed results; quality and quantity. Takes responsibility, is dependable, and can manage multiple tasks effectively.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to satisfactorily perform the essential responsibilities of this job.

• Minimum:
  • Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • 2-3 years of prior experience in constituent relations and/or fundraising or marketing/sales.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to deliver effective correspondence, proposals and presentations.
  • Comfortable working with MS Office applications, including Excel.
  • Working knowledge of a CRM database and ability to develop proficiency with fundraising software and related research tools (training provided).
  • Understanding of and appreciation for Bluffton University and its commitment to preparing students for life and vocation.
• Key requirements include:
  • Affirm and embrace the Bluffton University Mission Statement
  • Energetic, goal-oriented, self-directed, organized, efficient
  • Enjoy meeting and developing relationships with others and motivating them to make financial contributions to Bluffton University
  • Interest and ability to help donors connect their interest to university priorities and programs
  • Collaborative member of the advancement team
  • Positive representative of the university to all internal and external constituents
• Preferred:
  • Proven ability to work independently, a self-starter, energetic and enthusiastic.
  • Familiarity with and commitment to higher education preferred, along with 3 years fundraising experience, or experience related to sales, community relations or development that demonstrates the ability to successfully establish long term relationships with customers, donors, or clients.
  • Experience in major gift fundraising, principles and practices in a major research university with a record of success in closing major gifts.
  • Proven ability to motivate, engage and work with prospects, volunteers, university officials, faculty and staff or similar constituencies.

DIVERSITY AND FAITH COMMITMENT:
Bluffton University expects all employees to show respect in the workplace and not to base business decisions on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University welcomes its faculty and staff and encourages respectful consideration of the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church..

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and/or work environment encountered by the employee while performing the essential responsibilities of this job must be met with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be considered and implemented when possible to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential responsibilities. Secondary responsibilities may be removed when needed as an accommodation strategy. Responsibilities require monthly overnight travel including weekends, driving distances and air travel. He/she will occasionally work in outdoor settings. Must possess a valid driver’s license and drive an automobile.

COMPENSATION:
Commensurate with education and experience within the university pay scale.

DEADLINE:
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until an appointment is made.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Applications are considered complete when the following materials are received at the office indicated below:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Completed Bluffton employment application

Send application materials to:
Human resources
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104

[email protected]

Employment decisions are based on merit and university needs, and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University expressly reserves its rights to appoint faculty and staff who share a commitment to the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church. EOE.