Annual Giving Associate

Annual Giving Network LLC; Smithfield (RI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Annual Giving Network LLC is seeking an Annual Giving Associate at Bryant University to implement and manage a comprehensive annual stewardship program. This position involves engaging and recognizing donors, preparing scholarship reports, and fostering long-term relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree with 2-3 years in annual giving or donor relations. Key responsibilities include managing stewardship activities, planning student events, and collaborating across departments.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional experience in annual giving or donor relations.
• Proven experience in data analysis and reporting.
• Strong ability to create professional documents.

Responsibilities

• Manage recurring stewardship activities for donor engagement.
• Prepare and distribute annual scholarship reports to donors.
• Plan and execute student engagement events.

Skills

Data maintenance

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Annual Giving, the Annual Giving Associate is a key member of the team responsible for the implementation and administration of a comprehensive annual stewardship program. This role ensures that donors are effectively stewarded, engaged, recognized, and informed, including reporting on the use and impact of their annual and endowed gifts. The Annual Giving Associate plays a critical role in cultivating long‑term loyalty and commitment among donors while ensuring that Bryant University meets its fiduciary and stewardship responsibilities.

Position Summary

Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.

Principal Accountabilities

Annual Stewardship Program Management (40%)

• Manage recurring stewardship activities, including acknowledgement of first‑time donors, gifts made in honor or memory of individuals, and fulfillment of Bryant Leadership Council/Society benefits of membership.
• Monitor and train development coordinators on the development and distribution of stewardship correspondence, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Work with the Advancement Content Developer/Writer to refresh stewardship letters and materials semiannually, ensuring that content is relevant and engaging for donors.
• Spearhead production of stewardship materials such as pledge reminders, receipts, stewardship cards, and other related projects.

Donor Reporting & Student Engagement (30%)

• Prepare and distribute annual and endowed scholarship reports, incorporating written correspondence, video capture, and other creative methods to engage donors with the life and impact of scholarship students. Develop effective tracking systems and tools to ensure the timely distribution.
• Collaborating with the Annual Giving Officer responsible for the Student Philanthropy Center, oversee effective communications and solicitation, production, and execution of stewardship collection from the Student Advocates.
• Design and deliver the Thank a Donor event, capturing student data, video, and thank‑you notes for donors. Ensure follow‑up to collect necessary data for reports that will be shared with prospect managers.
• Develop tracking systems and tools to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of scholarship reports.

Student Event Planning & Programming (20%)

• Design and execute a comprehensive senior class gift program that introduces students to philanthropy and transitions them into BOLD engagement.
• Partnering with the Annual Giving Officer to manage the Student Philanthropy Center, including hiring, training, and supervising student ambassadors engaged in calling, texting, and digital outreach.
• Design and deliver the Thank a Donor event, capturing student data, video, and thank‑you notes for donors. Ensure follow‑up to collect necessary data for reports that will be shared with prospect managers.
• Collaborating with the Annual Giving Assistant Director to manage the Student Philanthropy Center, overseeing effective communications and solicitations, production, and execution of stewardship collection from the Student Advocates.
• Recruit, manage, and schedule student employees for various departmental projects, speaking engagements, and other initiatives as needed.

Team Collaboration and Administrative Support (10%)

• Provide general administrative support for the annual giving program and team, ensuring that stewardship processes and systems are maintained and streamlined.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure effective and consistent stewardship messaging and reporting across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in regular meetings with internal stakeholders to share progress, trends, and opportunities related to the Bryant Fund and annual giving.
• Represent Annual Giving at campus events, meetings, and programs as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of University Advancement goals and Vision 2030 priorities.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree and 2‑3 years of professional experience in annual giving, donor relations, relationship‑building, marketing and/or stewardship. Proven experience in data maintenance, analysis, and reporting, with increasing responsibilities, is necessary. The candidate should have a strong ability to create professional documents for internal and external stakeholders and demonstrate a collaborative, team‑oriented approach. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Regular attendance on campus and the ability to work collaboratively with co‑workers and constituents are essential functions of this position. Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:30 with some nights and weekends to staff University Advancement events, attend volunteer meetings, and meet with constituents.

Working Environment

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well‑being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.