ICA Donor Relations Associate

Driven by a commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural equity, the ICA at VCU is dedicated to producing and sharing new art and ideas, and to supporting creative communities. The ICA’s program includes artist commissions, exhibitions, film screenings, talks and discussions, publications and performances. It features artists and thinkers from around the world.
The ICA is in direct dialogue with VCUarts, the #1 public art school in the country, and is a space for multi-disciplinary experimentation across a major, urban public research university while simultaneously providing opportunities for creative collaboration locally and internationally.

The Donor Relations Associate reports to the Director of Development (DOD), and is responsible for the management and oversight of the ICA’s free membership program, donor engagement events, volunteer support, and provides operational support as part of the ICA’s development team.

The Donor Relations Associate is the primary representative of the ICA’s free membership program and support for development strategies for fundraising in collaboration with the DOD. The Donor Relations Associate must have the cultural competence to relate to diverse constituencies.

The Donor Relations Associate is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the free and tierless membership program, including reporting and analysis, and traffic management for membership efforts, special events, and overall data management for fundraising, and works closely with the ICA’s DOD to advance program strategies.

Program Management
● With director of development, create annual plan for membership strategy, engagement, and activities, including income goals and expense budgets;
● With director of development, develop and implement plans for retention, acquisition, and upgrades to meet or exceed annual income expectations;
● Support the DOD with the communications department to create development collateral materials, both print and digital
● Plan openings and donor activities/events in collaboration with marketing department and ICA event planning manager
● Work with DOD to plan and execute the Annual Fund campaigns using print, electronic, and other fundraising media
● Recruit, supervise, and train development interns/student workers in data entry, mailing support, and member/donor service when needed
● Evaluate effectiveness of current free membership program services, benefits, and policies, relating to retention and acquisition of members on a regular basis. Recommends, designs, and implements changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency in working with all constituencies, to include members.
● Help develop and implement a communication plan for membership customer service inquiries
● Respond in a timely manner to all inquiries received through donor and member requests/correspondence
● Facilitate positive and effective communication; serve as the first point of contact for any escalated constituent questions or concerns
● Create, and update as needed with the DOD, internal resources or central office requests

Stewardship & Cultivation - Events
● Design and manage member and donor segments to support matriculation and upgrades
● Support DOD with major donor events with planning and staffing
● Implement best strategies in stewardship, renewal and upgrading of current constituents; acquiring new donor, member, and visitor conversion
● Coordinate free member benefits with partner organizations via reciprocal member programs (NARM, ROAM);
● Maintain schedule of solicitations and cultivations, including timely delivery of strategy, creative, and data files;
● Serve as primary representative and contact for the membership program on a daily basis
● Lead cultivation and engagement of upper-level members by building relationships with individuals and organizing events and stewardship activities

Reporting & Data Analysis
● Generate reports to measure results of annual fund campaigns, and overall free membership retention and growth. Monitor progress towards revenue goal and provides reports for DOD and ICA senior management.

Data Management
● Maintain and analyze constituent data (e.g. renewals, new donors, upgrades and downgrades) and other reports (e.g. income analysis, cash flow and donor counts)
● Train volunteers, development, and visitor services staff in proper use of development data and reporting when appropriate and necessary
● Develop, promote, and document best practices and policies associated with member, donor, and prospect management
● Maintain security, accuracy, and integrity of database: RADAR, Asana, CRMs, website, Mail Chimp, etc.
● acknowledgement fulfillment (donor acknowledgements). Assist with gift and acknowledgement processes when required.

Other
● Track and replenish development materials and information in ICA public areas;
● Provide guidance with front desk, phone, and online communication to promote good customer service;
● Create a supporter-centered environment and always seek ways to make the supporter experience better for increased satisfaction and retention of donors
● Provide excellent customer service for prospective, current and lapsed ICA donors
● Manage updates to development records to maintain integrity and accuracy of data
● Support the DOD in creative development of new or changed development program benefits and annual events that attract new supporters as well as engage and retain existing supporters
Support the DOD in the use of CRMs (EverTrue and RADAR) tracking and reporting, goals, development contacts, plans
● Contribute to strategic donor communication pieces including e-newsletters, fulfillment letters, brochures, web content and event collateral materials
Support DOD with administrative requests: travel, reimbursement, scheduling, etc.
● Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, staff, and community members
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse environment or commitment to do so
Strong ability in all computer skills related to word processing, accounting, CRM proficiency, and data analysis
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to effectively organize and coordinate multiple projects; and to work well with the public
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for special events and ICA activities
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to work as a member of a team as well as independently
Experience working with the general public, board members, and/or donors on the phone, online, and/or in person.
Experience using a membership/fundraising CRM and/or database

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Enthusiasm for contemporary art and culture
Experience working in higher education or museum/cultural institution environment is a plus
A comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of direct marketing, customer service and donor cultivation;
Experience in working with a cross-museum team organizing and implementing a wide range of programs and events

UAP Slotting: Specialist DV (Open)

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000