Program Manager, Planned Giving

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager, Planned Giving will manage the day-to-day activities of the Planned Giving Office to enable the Assistant Director and Senior Director to maximize their frontline fundraising activities. The Program Manager will participate in the Office of Planned Giving’s key strategic activities through stewardship of the Bellarmine Society program for documented planned giving donors, marketing to planned giving prospects, and database queries, exports, and reports to shape strategy. This position will also provide meeting and event support and administrative support. As a member of University Advancement, Fairfield’s fundraising division, you will be given hands-on experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development. Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends throughout the year to assist with donor meetings, Reunion, select campus events, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a fundraising environment preferred, including donor relations, database management, monitoring of budgets and inventory, event planning, and administrative support.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Excellent computer skills, with knowledge of all Microsoft Office products, with specific proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Database experience and facility required (Raiser’s Edge NXT and Raiser’s Edge database, Blackbaud, or other CRM). Experience with project management platforms or marketing platforms preferred (e.g. Wrike). Knowledge of Workday is a plus. Position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to present a professional demeanor when interfacing with donors, coworkers, clients and vendors. Position also calls for strong organization skills, creativity, tact, diplomacy and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Strong attention to details, ability to multitask, and adhere to deadlines. Commitment to the mission of Fairfield University.

WORK CONDITIONS

Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as required for meetings and special events. A hybrid work arrangement of one day home-office per week, work permitting, is available; home office set-up, including printer, is required. Occasional travel including some overnights. Valid driver’s license required. Requires lifting heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.).

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Planned Giving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Stewardship Program: Run the stewardship program and serve as point of contact for Planned Giving’s critical constituents, our Bellarmine Society members; Plan the annual Bellarmine Society luncheon and other events; Carry out new Bellarmine Society induction program (a mailing to new members that includes a letter, certificate, other materials, etc.); and Ensure Bellarmine Society members are properly coded in Raiser's Edge;
  
  
• Marketing / Communications: Serve as primary liaison to external marketing vendor (PG Calc) and to internal Marketing department to manage the day-to-day of design, printing, and mailing of print and digital appeals in an accurate and timely fashion; with oversight from the Assistant Director and Senior Director; Work with Institutional Research to conduct annual planned giving survey; Lead logistics for in-house Planned Giving mailings (e.g. Bellarmine Society Stewardship Letter);
  
  
• Data / List Management: Run queries and exports in Raiser’s Edge to produce reports and lists to help shape the Planned Giving strategy and direct the work of the Planned Giving Office – Quarterly marketing mailing lists; Planned Giving prospect lists (with prioritized Opportunities) by Relationship Manager; Monthly reports of Planned Giving Opportunities; APR (Alumni Participation Rate) for assigned donors on the Planned Giving team; Ad hoc reports and queries in Raiser's Edge as needed;
  
  
• Collaborative Planned Giving Prospect Work: Schedule bi-annual check-ins for each Relationship Manager with Sr. Director and/or Assistant Director; email and track responses for individualized prospect lists for approval by Relationship Managers for mailing lists;
  
  
• Provide Administrative Support to the Office of Planned Giving, to include:
  
  • Draft Correspondence: Prepare and send acknowledgement letters for annual gifts, planned gifts, and realized gifts, as well as planned gift documentation requests;
    
    
  • Assist with gathering information (e.g. University updates) and drafting content for mailings;
    
    
  • Manage inventory of Planned Giving Office’s materials / supplies;
    
    
  • Monitor program budget and prepare expense reimbursements using Workday;
    
    
  • Track monthly activities and prepare monthly status and other reports as needed;
    
    
  • Assist management in preparation for prospect cultivation, visits, and engagement;
    
    
  • Schedule meetings, make travel arrangements, make copies;
    
    
  • Assist with Presidential briefings in preparation for meetings and events;
    
    
• Learn and continuously enhance knowledge and understanding of Fairfield’s mission, priorities, history, and alumni;
  
  
• Participate in the professional development of the department. This involves: Promoting efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community; Participating in departmental/staff meetings as necessary; Communicating effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent matters;
  
  
• Promote safe and secure working conditions. This involves: Promoting the proper utilization of equipment, tools, and materials; Notifying supervisor immediately regarding any unsafe working conditions;
  
  
• Performs other related duties as dictated by responsibilities or directed by supervisor.
  
  

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Category:

Academic - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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