Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Relations

Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Relations

Inside Higher Ed Athens, GA
This position is based in the College of Pharmacy and reports to the Senior Director of Development. The position is responsible for the coordination, growth, and success of the College's annual giving and engagement programs. Its purpose is to build meaningful relationships between alumni, donors, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the College to lead to philanthropic support. The position will build a culture of philanthropy through engagement that establishes a pipeline of donors for today and the future. This position will carry a portfolio focused on leadership annual giving ($1,500-$50,000). The position is expected to meet and/or exceed pre-set metrics that are established by the Senior Director of Development and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Those metrics include meetings with prospective donors, solicitations with emphasis on annual giving, gifts closed, and overall dollars raised. Metrics are evaluated and adjusted annually, and are done in collaboration with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Position will complete all necessary preparation and follow-up for each meeting and event, prepare persuasive engagement and annual giving materials, and document interactions in the "GAIL" (Giving and Alumni Information Link) alumni/donor database, by the end of each calendar month. The position will manage the College of Pharmacy Alumni Board, coordinate alumni events, and oversee alumni campus visit experiences that connect alumni with faculty, students, and leadership. The position will work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituents and have an established track record in building meaningful relationships, coupled with the ability to increase alumni engagement, strengthen participation, and advance annual giving objectives.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to solve problems and generate creative solutions to advance the College's efforts to maintain and strengthen high-quality relationships with alumni, donors, and volunteers
Advanced computer literacy and demonstrated skill using programs for the preparation and dissemination of communication materials required
Ability/willingness to interface with alumni and donors by phone, virtually, and in person, as well as through written communication
Demonstrated written communication skills to prepare and edit effective correspondence, event materials, annual giving appeals, and creative engagement materials
Demonstrated oral communication skills to make persuasive presentations to individuals and groups
Proven interpersonal skills to work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work well with others
Excellent ability to set priorities and perform under pressure in a fast-paced team environment
High attention to detail and possess skills and ability to manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion, including the ability to build consensus among team members and balance multiple concurrent priorities
Work in a standard office environment
Travel in and out of state
Driving as needed to perform job duties
Work nights and weekends as necessary
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, and paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember details; multitask
Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
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Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
The position is expected to meet and/or exceed pre-set metrics that are established by the Senior Director of Development and the division of Development & Alumni Relations.
Those metrics include meetings with prospective and current donors; initial meetings with prospective donors; solicitations with emphasis on annual giving ($1,500-$50,000); gifts closed, and overall dollars raised.
Metrics are evaluated and adjusted annually, and are done in collaboration with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
The position will manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects and donors to strengthen relationships, increase giving, and identify annual, major, and planned giving prospects in support of the College of Pharmacy's priorities.
Travel as needed, including some overnight trips in and out of state and occasional weekend work.
Develop and manage an alumni engagement strategy and a portfolio of alumni and volunteer constituents.
Manage the College of Pharmacy Alumni Board, coordinate board meetings and communications, and effectively utilize GAIL to ensure all constituent activity, event participation, and strategic plans are documented in the system.
Participate in quarterly prospect management and strategy meetings within the College and with the Office of Development & Alumni Relations.
Plan and execute alumni engagement events and coordinate alumni visits to campus, including meaningful experiences with faculty, students, and leadership.
Prepare timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects in support of the College of Pharmacy's priorities.
Serve as liaison to annual giving, support campaigns, and communications to increase participation and philanthropic support.
Telephone and/or correspondence preparation and follow-up are required.
Manage a pre-allocated travel budget and plan trips strategically.
Attend College of Pharmacy events, including but not limited to the White Coat Ceremony, Pinning Ceremony, Commencement Ceremony, and Homecoming Reunion Tailgate.
Plan and execute alumni engagement events, coordinate alumni visits to campus, and attend College of Pharmacy Development & Alumni Relations team meetings, University Development & Alumni Relations meetings, and occasional Saturday home football games related to alumni engagement.
Work collaboratively with academic departments, programs, students, and campus partners to support and guide alumni through meaningful engagement opportunities that strengthen affinity and advance the philanthropic process.
Perform other duties as assigned.
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Gordon Thomas
Recruitment Contact Email: gordon.thomas@uga.edu