Assistant Director of Donor Relations
Colby College

Job DescriptionDepartment:Donor RelationsPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:The assistant director of donor relations reports to the director of donor relations and maintains close working relationships with other members of the Division of College Advancement staff, Colby faculty, and administration. The assistant director plays an integral role in establishing a structured, systematic program for donor stewardship while maintaining the College's reputation of integrity and fund compliance. The successful candidate will possess the ability to understand and interpret data and develop creative strategies for the acknowledgement, reporting, and ongoing stewardship of donors, with the goal of increasing donor engagement and giving in support of Colby's fundraising efforts.

The assistant director participates in providing donors with reporting related to select endowed and current use funds as part of a College-wide stewardship program designed to foster and sustain long-term, meaningful relationships between the College and its donors. This includes using data, software, and project management skills to prepare annual financial reports to donors that demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy to the College. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage, in collaboration with Donor Relations and campus partners, the reporting process for the College's financial aid endowed funds and annual endowment financial reporting, ensuring that donors receive timely and meaningful stewardship that demonstrates the impact of their philanthropy

• Collaborate effectively with faculty and staff across the division in fulfilling reporting objectives and goals; write and edit narrative reports as required by gift agreements

• Provide general advancement writing and copy editing and high touch, high impact writing projects

• Contribute to donor-focused event and recognition strategy

• Understand Advancement and Donor Relations data systems and use them to support and exceed goals; report on data, query, and segment data accurately for reporting and mailing purposes

• Ensure that the stewardship-related projects are accurately reflected in Raiser's Edge

• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in education and experience

• Minimum of 1-3 years of advancement or project management experience within an institution of higher education preferred

• Excellent project management and organizational skills including experience independently overseeing complex projects and programs; attention to detail is critical

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills required

• Ability to work with and analyze data

• Ability to interact with donors, prospects, trustees, and College officials with tact, diplomacy, and discretion

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and balance multiple responsibilities effectively

• Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges, flexible, highly motivated, disciplined work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a growth mindset

• Experience with Raiser's Edge or comparable relational database preferred

• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) required

• Must be able to work additional hours during busy periods, including evenings and weekends

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position has significant interaction with faculty, staff, peers, Officers of the College, alumni, parents, friends, and donors.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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. Work outside of normal business hours is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Assistant Director of Donor Relations - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855