Major Gifts Officer - Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement - 19268

University of Wisconsin-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. UW-Whitewater’s main campus is located in Whitewater, with a branch campus in Rock County, in the city of Janesville. 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. UW-Whitewater’s campuses are located conveniently near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, and thus offer 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 offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These include both on-campus and online programs, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary 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 nation. The campuses have more than 200 student organizations and UW-Whitewater’s intercollegiate athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division-III level. 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://uww.edu/

Position Details

Major Gifts Officer - Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement - 19268
Job
Full-time
1/11/2023
Southwest Wisconsin
Whitewater, WI

ATTENTION:

The Department of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement in the Division of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater seeks a Major Gifts Officer (Gifts Officer, AV013).

Academic staff positions are provided fixed term appointments with annual renewals unless otherwise noted. Reappointment for subsequent terms is dependent on performance, University funding and external forces.

JOB DETAILS:

The Major Gifts Officer secures significant gifts for the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. to support the mission of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. The Major Gifts Officer serves as a liaison to the College of Arts and Communication and Intercollegiate Athletics. The position 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:

40% A. Fundraising

  1. Engage a portfolio of 90 corporate and individual donors. 
  2. Meet annually and develop strong donor relationships with the UW-Whitewater donors. Connect prospects with appropriate leadership, faculty, programs, and students aligned with the prospects' philanthropic interests and values. 
  3. Work with donors on various giving vehicles, with a commitment to learn new techniques along the way. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Partner with campus staff and colleagues to host on-campus and regional UW-Whitewater engagement events. 
  6. Travel in-state as well as to assigned out-of-state regions to encourage philanthropy and alumni engagement among top prospects. 
  7. Document and report on donor engagement activities through frequent Raiser’s Edge database updates, regular meetings with Advancement and university leadership, and demonstrable key performance indicators.

20% B. Program Liaison - College of Arts & Communication

  1. Serve as the philanthropy liaison to the College of Arts & Communications. Assist the Dean, program faculty, academic staff, and university staff, in establishing philanthropy and alumni engagement strategy, including donor stewardship events, alumni engagement opportunities, and fundraising. 
  2. Assist program faculty, academic staff and university 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 alumni, friends, businesses, faculty, program faculty, academic staff, university staff and students.

20% B. Program Liaison - Intercollegiate Athletics

  1. Serve as the philanthropy liaison to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Assist Athletic Director and 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 alumni, friends, businesses, faculty, program faculty, academic staff, university staff and students.

10% 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.

10% 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
  • A passion for philanthropy and higher education

Desired Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two to five years of professional and/or development experience in a higher education or non-profit organization

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
  • Serves as an active participant in complying with applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills
  • Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $55,000 – $60,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System’s comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.


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