Human Resources

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Annual Engagement works collaboratively with the Director of Annual Engagement in creating, managing, and implementing a successful annual giving program. The Assistant Director coordinates and manages projects within the annual giving program including telephone, direct mail, e-mail, and crowdfunding appeals to raise funds for college priorities.  The Assistant Director of Annual Engagement may also provide support to the College’s Donor Engagement, Alumni Engagement and Department of Athletics. 

Job Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Director of Annual Giving, develop and execute effective strategies for soliciting annual gift prospects and building the leadership annual giving program through a solicitation calendar that effectively uses all forms of annual giving solicitations including telephone, direct mail, email, SMS, and crowdfunding appeals.
• Oversee the daily activities of the student outreach program; serve as primary contact and perform/assist with the hiring and training of the Forester Outreach student staff; schedule calling segments, and anniversary reminders, and track student staff performance to maximize efficiency.
• In partnership with the Director of Annual Engagement and the Director of Alumni Engagement, manage overall engagement and solicitation strategies for young alumni (0-10 years out) and current students to build a strong philanthropic understanding of the need for annual giving at the College.
• With support from the Director of Annual Engagement, serve as the liaison to the department of Athletics to ensure that outreach and engagement activities between the two departments are strategically coordinated.
• Develop and implement crowdfunding campaigns using GiveCampus for Giving Tuesday, Forester Day (annual day of giving), Young Alumni appeal, and special projects.
• Assist with drafting and editing of annual giving communications as needed for all channels and audiences.
• Participate in and staff department events such as Family Weekend, Homecoming, Forester Day (day of giving) and other events as needed.
• Research and stay up to date on trends in the field of higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel and Word/mail merge).
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Basic understanding and enthusiasm for higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship. Advancement experience in athletics would be a bonus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with advancement staff and other campus partners.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to develop and build relationships with a wide variety of donors, alumni, prospects, and student callers.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 1-3 years of fundraising experience, and/or related experience.
• Experience with Slate CRM or similar preferred (Razor’s Edge, etc.)
• Ability to use data to develop new initiatives and strategies.

Application

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: Marianne Riddell at mriddell@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.