Philanthropy Officer

at  Ferris State University

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, and working with other staff and volunteers, the Philanthropy Officer is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual mid-level major gift prospects that are capable of making gift commitments of $10,000 or more to support Ferris State University’s funding priorities. Travel is required, including some evenings and/or weekends.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

At least 2 - 4 years of professional, relevant experience or a combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES TO BE CONSIDERED:

1. Work experience in higher education or in other large complex organizations.
2. Experience with CRM software.
3. Proven experience working with five-figure gifts or higher.
4. Strong interpersonal, team and leadership skills, tact and flexibility in working with diverse populations.
5. Ability to plan and develop marketing strategies.
6. Ability to multi-task competing priorities, interruptions, and inquires with a high level of professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity.
7. Knowledge of Ferris State University.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent, organizational, networking and communications skills, both written and oral, as well as a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings.
• Ability to effectively work independently to achieve annual goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
• Ability to travel on day and overnight trips, and evening and weekends, as required.
• Skilled with using Microsoft Office and customer relations management software.
• A general level of comfort when dealing with high net worth individuals and an ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.
• Responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

EEO STATEMENT:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
Advertised: 23 Aug 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions.
Manage a defined portfolio of mid-level major gift donors and prospects with the capacity to make multi-year commitments of $10,000 or more; multiple significant contacts will be made with each of these individuals.
Make approximately 125-150 documented face-to-face (or virtual equivalent) visits annually.
Maintains complete and timely records of contacts with prospects and donors by utilizing University Advancement’s CRM.
Maintains the confidentiality of donor data, records and gifts.
Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to understand the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects.
Ensure consistent and appropriate contact while demonstrating effective stewardship.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the university’s funding priorities and effectively articulate needs to individual donors.
Generate written proposals, informational materials, gift agreements and other materials to secure major gifts.
Assist in short-term and long-term strategic planning for overall major gifts program.
Serve as an active team member in the development and implementation of University Advancement goals.
Collaborate with colleagues within University Advancement and Marketing and across the campus community.
Understand the University’s broader fundraising objectives.
Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
Reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Any other duties assigned.