Oberlin, Ohio
The Chronicle of Higher Education Sub
Oberlin College is seeking a Director of the Oberlin Annual Fund who will be responsible for managing an effective, comprehensive annual program, which raises approximately $7 million annually. This individual is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual gifts from current and prospective Oberlin Annual Fund donors to ensure both a strong base of ongoing annual financial support and a high level of alumni participation.
Oberlin College is looking for a forward-thinking, innovative, and energetic professional with demonstrated success in annual fund management and reunion/class responsibilities, capable of creating a multi-year plan to advance efforts. This is a full-time, 12-month Administrative and Professional Staff position reporting to the Executive Director of the Alumni Association and working closely with colleagues in Alumni Relations, Gift Planning, Leadership and Parent Giving, as well as with alumni and other volunteers.
The Director of The Oberlin Annual Fund, under the direction of the Executive Director, will plan and implement the annual fund program for Oberlin College. Duties include but are not limited to:
In coordination with the Executive Director of the Alumni Association, Vice President of Development & Alumni Affairs, and volunteer leaders, develop and implement strategies to grow the Fund significantly over the next decade.
Maintain overall responsibility for all annual fund components, including general mail solicitation, class agent program, online giving initiatives, regional fundraising, cultivation and recognition events, senior class giving, student phoners, and the matching gift program.
Oversee and manage reunion-giving program for 5th through 65th reunion classes through use of reunion gift volunteer committees and staff liaisons. The Director will hold primary responsibility for the recruitment and management of the 50th reunion committee, including the coordination of on-campus meetings and the selection of class fundraising projects, and must partner with the Associate Director of Reunion Gift Planning and the Director of Alumni Relations to coordinate 50th reunion responsibilities and effective management.
The Director will work with colleagues to assess the capacity of the members of the class for purposes of developing fundraising goals for the 50th reunion class with particular attention to the annual giving components of this goal.
Manage a portfolio of assigned prospects, as well as identify new prospects, in order to cultivate, solicit, and close leadership annual gifts from 50th reunion giving prospects.
Commit to national travel for personal visitation with leadership annual giving prospects for the purposes of cultivation, stewardship, volunteer recruitment, and solicitation.
Work with other division staff, primarily in the Major Gifts and Gift Planning offices, to plan strategies for cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors for deferred and major gifts when such an interest is discovered or suspected.
Manage staff of seven, including five professional staff and two administrative assistants.
Identify, recruit, train, and motivate volunteers to participate in annual fund solicitation. Lead collaborative partnership with alumni volunteer leaders and serve as primary staff liaison to the Development Committee.
Oversee development of comprehensive annual solicitation plans, in partnership with volunteer leaders and Development Communications, and produce detailed update reports on annual giving activities.
Maintain and enhance donor recognition and stewardship efforts, including but not limited to gift club membership structure, and on-campus and regional recognition events, and donor rolls.
Maintain and enhance relationships within the College with colleagues in areas most closely linked to annual giving, as well as other departments, faculty, students, alumni and volunteers. Train and supervise staff to cultivate and solicit prospects where appropriate.
Think critically, strategically and creatively about the tasks and progress of the Alumni Relations and Annual Giving collaboration. Some evening and weekend work required.
Requirements: Bachelors degree required and five or more years experience in development, particularly annual fund activities.
Desired Qualifications: The incumbent will have a desire to be part of a successful, dynamic leadership team, possess excellent staff management skills; and be a collaborative team builder. Other desired qualifications include demonstrated track record of successful fundraising; demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage an annual fund program, including volunteer leadership, prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation activities; hands-on knowledge of computer information systems; ability to manage deadline and detail; excellent written and verbal communication skills; interest in and commitment to liberal arts education.