Phonathon Caller-Student Employment (Workstudy Eligibility Preferred)

Students make the best ambassadors for Johnson!
Student callers are essential to the success of our annual giving program and to maintaining strong relationships with alumni. Phonathon callers contact thousands of alumni each year to ask for their support of Johnson and update them with campus news. Students are the best ambassadors to talk about the VTSU experience – because you’re living it.
This position requires excellent communication skills, a problem-solving mentality, the ability to think on your feet in a fast-paced environment, and a genuine affinity for Vermont State University, particularly the Johnson campus. Working on the Phonathon team is a great opportunity to improve your communication, fundraising, and public relations skills for life after college.
Education and Experience
No experience is needed, but you will be required to attend a mandatory training program to learn the necessary skills for success. You must be open to new experiences and willing to learn new skills.
Responsibilities and Duties
• Serve as an ambassador by establishing an open and engaging line of communication between Johnson and its supporters.
• Gain an understanding of the VTSU, its organizational structure, and its annual needs for financial support.
• Call constituents to build rapport, update demographic information, and acquire donations to VTSU.
• Share what's going on at VTSU today with the people you'll be contacting on the phone (inform them of campus improvements, events, happenings and student life).
• Gather updated contact information in an effort to maintain current and accurate alumni records.
• Speak confidently about VTSU and the funding priority.
• Make a clear, strong case for financial support during every call in an effort to increase both giving and participation.
• Educate constituents about VTSU’s financial needs and motivate them to want to support the goals of the funding priority.
• Exhibit enthusiasm in support of VTSU and leave all prospects (regardless of their giving status) with a good feeling about VTSU.
• Work with other callers in a team-oriented environment to further the development of the student calling program and reach goals.
• Handle each phone call with courtesy, tact, and sensitivity.
• Remain positive and professional and handle objections and difficult conversations with grace and control.
• Think quickly in responding to any questions and/or concerns our alumni may have.
• Develop techniques to help deal with objections and improve the structure and style of your calls.
• Commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per week.
• Arrive on time and with a positive attitude to scheduled calling sessions.
• Handle personal information with extreme confidentiality.
• Have a good time and make new friends!
Benefits
• Competitive wages.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Build your resume: Develop strong public relations, fundraising, communication, and marketing skills.
• Network: Converse with alumni in various professions all across the United States.
• Ideal work hours: evenings and weekends, with occasional opportunities for daytime hours.
• Incentives: Prizes earned for meeting goals, snacks, and celebrations.

This position requires excellent communication skills, a problem-solving mentality, the ability to think on your feet in a fast-paced environment, and a genuine affinity for Vermont State University, particularly the Johnson campus. Working on the Phonathon team is a great opportunity to improve your communication, fundraising, and public relations skills for life after college.