Assistant Director, Annual Giving

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.

Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Assistant Director conceptualizes, creates, implements and manages all major and mid-size direct marketing appeal campaigns across Hamline University’s undergraduate and graduate degree constituencies. This role is responsible for developing strategy, content, and creative for appeals with consistent look and messaging across various channels (direct mail, email, social media, and web) focused on increasing annual financial support and participation in the annual fund for various segments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and develop growth strategies for revenue and donor file through direct marketing efforts, including mail, email, web, social media, and new media channels.
• Build and recommend a comprehensive and strategic solicitation calendar and marketing plan including mail, email, and social media appeals. Determine thematic messaging and segmentation strategies. Implement this plan, including: idea conception, creating content, creating or coordinating design, and execution for all mail, email, web, social media appeals and communications related to Annual Giving Programs.
• Manage external vendor relationships and negotiate work contracts and fees, ensuring deadlines and quality work product is met
• Lead and strategize special campaigns with a focus on emerging technologies
• Set goals, analyze back-end results and responses, and evaluate annual giving program communications and segmentation performance in order to help Annual Giving Programs meet growth goals in dollars and donors
• Manage the annual giving website so that it includes current campaign content and ongoing annual giving information
• Manage online giving environment for Annual Giving and serve as our department’s chief resource person for this tool
• Collaborate with colleagues in Alumni Relations to create cohesive alumni communications and to increase giving from key constituencies.
• Help direct the development of collateral materials, etc., for Alumni Giving, partnering with Marketing and Communications to ensure brand alignment
• Manage crowdfunding campaigns. Offer strategy and support to internal partners for them.
• Work closely with an assigned segment of alumni, building relationships with, soliciting, and stewarding them.
• Contribute articles for Alumni Relations publications
• Stay abreast of best practices and industry trends by attending educational events and reading current fundraising materials
• Solicit alumni by phone, email, and in person particularly during busy times including calendar and fiscal year end
• Other duties as requested

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, organization, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to conceptualize as well as have a very strong attention to detail
• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to write compelling and persuasive fundraising copy, relying on a style guide, free of errors
• Commitment to collaborative teamwork and individual accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize simultaneously. 
• Regular use of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Google Apps
• Regular use of the Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to learn new software systems such as constituent databases, website and email content management systems
• Proven ability to work under stress and tight deadlines
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Ability to represent the University and the Alumni Annual Fund in an enthusiastic and professional manner and handle confidential information appropriately. 
• Willingness to learn and remain current on industry best practices

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2 – 3 years professional experience working in a communications or marketing role
• 2 – 3 years professional experience working on managing the production of materials and/or project management experience
• Experience developing and executing social media strategy
• 2 – 3 professional experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Google Apps, Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to work evening and weekends as required
• Ability to travel to local off-campus locations

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Experience developing, writing and producing fundraising solicitations
• Demonstrated ability to generate and implement creative solutions to appeal opportunities
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices

• Knowledge of databases, website content management systems, graphic design and photo editing software
• Experience developing crowd funding campaigns

REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT

Must perform the following essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• This position requires substantial computer work and sitting
• Occasional local travel to attend alumni events and visit with volunteers and donors is also required.

EEO/DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local commission; disability; age; or protected veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.