Assistant Director of Donor Engagement

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Assistant Director of Donor Engagement within the Donor Engagement Department reports directly to the Director of Donor Engagement. This role is primarily responsible for developing and implementing dynamic engagement programs in support of Lewis & Clark’s Annual Fund, including Phonathon, young alumni giving, and student philanthropy initiatives. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at fostering meaningful connections with students and alumni, leading diverse engagement opportunities, and innovating strategies to meet ambitious fundraising goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Phonathon Management

• Manage the Phonathon program, overseeing student engagement with alumni and parents to encourage philanthropic support.
  
  
• Hire, supervise, and train student callers and team leads, ensuring effective communication and motivation.
  
  
• Develop and implement strategic calling initiatives to maximize participation and giving across diverse audience segments.
  
  
• Attend 1-2 evening Phonathon shifts per week, as needed, or be available on-call should issues arise.
  
  
• Facilitate data flow between our donor database and Phonation software (currently VanillaSoft).
  
  
• Analyze performance metrics through weekly and monthly reports to refine calling strategies and enhance program effectiveness.
  
  

Student Philanthropy

• Create and execute a comprehensive student philanthropy program, including initiatives such as Senior Gift and the Student Philanthropy Council.
  
  
• Facilitate student-focused engagement events, including athletics giving days and Thank-A-Donor Day, to promote a culture of philanthropy.
  
  

Young Alumni Philanthropy

• Lead special initiatives and campaigns aimed at increasing participation in giving among young alumni and recent graduates.
  
  
• Manage a portfolio of young alumni donors to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward them for their support.
  
  
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to design and implement solicitations targeting young alumni.
  
  
• Launch and manage a recurring giving program.
  
  

Team Collaboration and Culture

• Promote a team atmosphere that values creativity, excitement, and a high level of motivation.
  
  
• Support and contribute to diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives within the College community.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with college events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend work.
  
  
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals and objectives.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient in fundraising principles and practices.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to articulate the value of a Lewis & Clark education effectively.
  
  
• Superior organizational skills, capable of managing competing deadlines and multiple projects independently.
  
  
• Extremely analytical with a strong aptitude for data analysis and accuracy, leveraging metrics to inform strategic decisions.
  
  
• Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace, demonstrating respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
  
  

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• At least 2 years of fundraising experience in a nonprofit or higher education environment.
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or additional 4+ years of relevant experience.
  
  

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  
  
• 4+ years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
  
  
• Previous Phonathon/Telefund experience.
  
  
• Experience with supervision and/or volunteer management.
  
  
• Familiarity with Slate database and VanillaSoft software.
  
  

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time
  
  
• 37.5 hours/week
  
  
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
  
  
• Hybrid work schedule available
  
  

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
  
  
• Starting salary range: $56,000-$59,000, commensurate with experience
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment
  
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer
  
  
• Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person
  
  
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
  
  

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

( https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance ).

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.