Major Gift Officer - Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement - 17266

UW–Whitewater

Campus Information:

Founded in 1868, UW–Whitewater is one of eleven comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two doctoral institutions and a statewide Extension. In the fall of 2018, as a result of the University of Wisconsin System’s restructuring of the state’s 13 two-year campuses formerly known as UW Colleges, UW–Rock County began operating as a branch campus of UW–Whitewater under the new name of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County. Together, these campuses form a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Main Campus and Rock County Campus are located conveniently near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, and thus offers the advantage of beautiful small-town environments with easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas.

The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. UW-Whitewater has a special mission within the UW System to serve students with disabilities and, as such, embraces the principles of universal design and is one of the most accessible campuses in the state. The campuses have more than 200 student organizations and UW-Whitewater is a Division III NCAA university. UW-Whitewater is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment, building a diverse faculty and staff with expertise and interest in serving students with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and other distinct characteristics in respectful, sensitive and understanding ways. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

https://www.uww.edu/

Position Details

Major Gift Officer - Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement - 17266
Job
Full-time
6/21/2021
Southeast Wisconsin
Whitewater, WI

ATTENTION:

The Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement department within University Advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Major Gift Officer (Assoc Develop Spec, R84FN). This will be a 100% fixed term annual appointment and reappointment for subsequent terms is dependent upon needs of the position, university funding and external forces. Travel will be 25% of the time.

JOB DETAILS:

The Major Gift Officer secures significant gifts for the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. to support the mission of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. The Major Gift Officer serves as a liaison to one or more university programs and connects alumni and friends in meaningful ways to inspire charitable support at the highest levels. This position reports to the Executive Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

45% A. Research and Fundraising

  1. Utilize donor database and existing research tools to identify potential prospects. 
  2. Engage a portfolio of 100+. 
  3. Hold meetings annually and utilize other personal communication tools to develop strong donor relationships with the University. Connect prospects with appropriate leadership, faculty, programs, and students aligned with the prospects' philanthropic interests and values. 
  4. Work with donors on various giving vehicles, with a commitment to learn new techniques along the way. 
  5. As a member of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, participate in setting the long-range and short-term fundraising strategy to reach annual and multi-year goals. 
  6. When safe, travel in-state as well as to assigned out-of-state regions to encourage philanthropy and alumni engagement among top prospects.

25% B. Program Liaison – College of Education and Professional Studies

  1. Serve as the philanthropy liaison to the College of Education and Professional Studies. Assist program personnel in establishing philanthropy and alumni engagement strategy, including donor stewardship events, alumni engagement opportunities, and fundraising.
  2.  Assist program staff in setting annual and long-range fundraising goals and establishing strong donor relationships. 
  3. Actively cultivate a philanthropy culture within the University by developing trust-based relationships with faculty, staff, and students.

15% C. Alumni Engagement

  1. Work with the Alumni Engagement team to plan programs and events to increase alumni engagement. Attend events to provide assistance and identify/cultivate/steward major gift prospect relationships. 
  2. Recruit volunteers for boards and engagement opportunities to involve alumni and friends in the life of the University.

15% D. Other Tasks

  1. As a member of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, maintain accurate records, attend and contribute to division meetings and keep current on Foundation policies and procedures. 
  2. Serve as the lead on special projects, as assigned. 
  3. Due to the nature of the work, occasional evening and weekend responsibilities, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel, are essential parts of the position when travel is safe.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree

Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated interest in fundraising background in a higher education setting
  • Database and CRM experience
  • Customer service background

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Integrity and demonstration of relationship-building skills 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills 
  • Tech-friendly with interests in analytics 
  • A strategic mind 
  • Ability to take direction, work independently, and be a part of a collaborative team 
  • Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds

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