Digital Gift Officer

University Development and Alumni Engagement at Buena Vista University has an opening for a Digital Gift Officer position. This is a remote position, with a preference given to candidates within a six-hour drive of the BVU Storm Lake, IA campus. The position plays an integral role in the development efforts of Buena Vista University (BVU) by managing and soliciting mid-level and multi-year gifts of $1,000 or more from alumni, friends and organizations loyal to the University, using a digital-first mentality for donor engagement. The position will manage a portfolio of mostly mid-level donors and prospects to cultivate and move forward in their philanthropic support of the University using a combination of in-person development work combined with email, social media, video, and text message. The position will directly solicit donors online and in-person, create and execute digital donor engagement plans, and coordinate with other BVU fundraising activities and priorities. This position requires digital engagement and regular travel throughout the region and nationally, as well as evening and weekend activities.

The position will m anage a portfolio of several hundred prospects and generate a minimum of 20-25 prospect “visits” per month, realizing growth in the number of completed solicitations. (SGO “visits” include teleconference video conversations) Annual dollar targets/goals will also be developed with the VP through the annual goal setting process. The ideal candidate will have experience in using digital channels for donor or customer engagement. Sales and marketing experience is valuable, especially in the digital and social media space. Candidates with a successful track record in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors for philanthropic giving will be given special preference.

The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity, maintain a positive attitude, diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and a sense of humor. He/she will have the skills and desire to: multi-task and meet deadlines; be a team player; work collaboratively; understand the principles and techniques relevant to nonprofit fundraising; and possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills and aptitude to work with people of different ages, temperaments, and backgrounds.

Buena Vista University is an independent, regionally accredited comprehensive university offering a blended professional and liberal arts curriculum. BVU serves a predominantly Iowa student body, many of whom are the first members of their families to attend college. The university’s main campus is located in picturesque Storm Lake, a diverse, vibrant, and professional community of 11,000 situated in the heartland of northwest Iowa.

Additional qualifications include three to five years or more of professional fundraising experience, preferably in higher education. A bachelor’s degree is required. Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. A background check will be conducted on the final candidate.

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