Assistant Director of Gift Planning

Job Description
Department:
Gift Planning
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:College Advancement
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Propelled by visionary leadership and a compelling array of initiatives, Colby launched the largest ever fundraising campaign at a liberal arts college at that time—$750 million—in October 2017. With the success of the Dare Northward campaign, the College will be known for a distinctive set of multidisciplinary academic offerings; an even more cohesive and accessible institutional culture for students from all backgrounds; the foremost art and athletic facilities in the educational sector; a welcoming, thriving, and dynamic surrounding community; increased global connections and resulting perspectives; the richest set of universal student experiences to enhance the Colby academic program; and the capacity to support the postgraduate success of every one of their students.

Thus far, more than 26,000 alumni and friends have made donations in support of initiatives such as the downtown Waterville revitalization, academic partnerships, financial aid, and global experiences and internships—collectively raising more than $670 million to date toward the Dare Northward campaign. Colby now ranks among the top American colleges and universities in alumni giving participation.

The College is seeking a highly motivated assistant director of gift planning at an exciting and defining moment in Colby’s history. This key position offers a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and transformational campaign. Reporting to the director of gift planning, the position is responsible for managing a robust portfolio of individual donors and prospects and partnering with leadership and principal gift officers to provide support for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned and blended gifts as a key area of opportunity for the comprehensive campaign. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and planned giving donors and prospects through letters, phone calls, and personal visits; attain a goal of 120 prospect visits per year with long-term revenue goals
• Identify and prioritize prospects, and establish stewardship or cultivation strategies to achieve increased solicitation and revenue goals of planned, outright, and blended gifts
• Assist in significantly expanding membership of the Colby Legacy Society, Colby’s gift planning society, as a key component of Colby’s comprehensive campaign and in coordination with annual giving and leadership gifts teams
• Collaborate with divisional colleagues on gift planning stewardship and marketing projects
• Effectively use planned giving software (currently PG Calc) to prepare reports, briefing materials, correspondence, proposals, statistics, and related documents for solicitation of prospects
• Participate in professional development activities to remain current on relevant activity and trends in gift planning, financial and estate planning, federal tax law and regulations that govern charitable giving, and new services offered by other non-profit groups and organizations and to raise Colby’s visibility in the profession
• Cultivate strong working relationships with colleagues in the Division of College Advancement and across the College, including an opportunity to conduct gift planning portfolio reviews with leadership gift officers
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• 1-3 years of planned gift fundraising experience in a college, university, or complex institution
• Demonstrated success in cultivation, face-to-face solicitation, and closing planned gifts
• Knowledge in the use of planned giving software and preparing illustrations for gift proposals preferred
• Superb written and oral communication skills required including the ability to write in multiple styles/voices and proactively edit as necessary
• Excellent organizational skills including experience independently overseeing and executing complex projects and programs in a timely manner
• Flexibility, excellent attention to detail, initiative, and a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve
• Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it; liberal arts education experience or appreciation
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment
• Discretion and good judgment with confidential information
• Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours
• Must be willing to travel; valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS :

Reporting to the director of gift planning, the assistant director of gift planning will have direct contact with division leadership, leadership and principal gift officers, senior administration, alumni, and key faculty members.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Travel and work outside of normal business hours are required. The option to work remotely will considered on a case-by-case basis.

TO APPLY :

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Assistant Director of Gift Planning - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855