Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. Assumption University encourages a student’s sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Assumption is a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share its mission.

Under the leadership of President Greg Weiner, the first Jewish president of a Catholic university, Assumption University recently undertook a strategic plan for the next decade. This bold, ambitious, thoughtful, and strategic document, known as Thrive, is highlighted by the following. “In our next decade, Assumption University, will become a premier institution with national reach, not merely a Catholic university, but a particular type of Catholic university—one in diminishing supply but, because it speaks to enduring human needs, persistent demand.”

With Assumption University’s ten-year strategic plan, “Thrive,” under way, the institution seeks a dynamic and experienced advancement leader with superb interpersonal, strategic, and operational skills and abilities to fill the key position of Leadership Giving Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: In support of the mission of the University, the Leadership Giving Officer works to build and enhance relationships with alumni, parents, and friends capable of making a gift of $25,000 or more. The focus of the position is raising funds to support the priorities of the University’s 26-sport NCAA Division II athletics program. The LGO is responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects and stewarding donors while maintaining essential data within. She/he will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interests and how those interests align with the strategic needs of the University.

The successful candidate will have a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. She/he needs to be able to juggle a wide-variety of tasks and projects simultaneously, make decisions independently, as appropriate, and always position Advancement, Athletics and Assumption in the best way possible. She/he should have a deep understanding of philanthropy and the impact that Athletics has on the student experience, and enjoy working with a wide variety of personalities and work styles.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage a portfolio of 150-175 prospects.

• Conduct a minimum of 150 face-to-face visits annually to qualify, engage, solicit, or steward donors. This includes meetings with individuals both on and off campus, traveling as appropriate.

• Utilize and engage campus community members (Deans, VP’s, Department Chairs, faculty, coaches, etc.) in the advancement process as needed. Emphasis placed on developing key working relationships with Athletic Department personnel, specifically Athletic Administrators and coaches of individual sports.

• Develop a comprehensive donor strategy for assigned prospects to include annual giving and, where appropriate, planned giving.

• Provide staff leadership for other projects or events as assigned. This includes but is not limited to “Back the Pack” Week of Giving and affinity reunions.

• In conjunction with supervisor, develop metrics around engagement, fundraising targets and database maintenance.

• By engaging with campus partners, develop and maintain a working knowledge of Assumption University’s educational and strategic programs to effectively articulate the institution's priorities. The focus is placed on developing and implementing strategies for annual and multi-year giving plans to retain and increase levels of giving from within the LGO’s portfolio, utilizing appropriate goals and timetables for solicitation.

• Participate in execution of events and programs in support of Development activities and alumni/parent events. This includes on- and off-campus functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show an understanding of and a respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show an understanding of and a respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
• Three-to-five years’ experience in annual, major, or planned gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, or comparable work in sales, marketing or other client-management professions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies. This includes being a good listener and thoughtful questioner.
• Willingness to maintain an aggressive travel schedule.
• Ability to direct and manage volunteers, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports and other materials.
• Exercise good judgement, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Adjust priorities as necessary, independently as well as in conference with supervisor.
• Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects.
• Foster effective working relationships within a team environment, leading by example.
• Apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.