Associate Director of Annual Giving

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic professional to drive fundraising efforts for their prestigious Law School. This role involves engaging with donors, managing a portfolio, and collaborating with a dedicated team to meet ambitious fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills and a creative approach to donor engagement. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the realm of legal education fundraising, working closely with influential professionals in a vibrant academic environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a competitive work environment.
• Ability to engage donors and work with diverse constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for 100 personal visits/solicitations annually.
• Identifies and manages a portfolio of 300 donors.
• Coordinates fundraising activities with the Senior Director.

Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Persuasiveness

Creativity

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration


• Regular/Temporary: Regular


• Hours Per Week: 35


• Salary Range: $85,000 - $87,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Individual Giving, the incumbent is expected to be a highly energetic professional with the ability to engage donors, work with volunteers and solicit gifts. Job duties include identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gifts in the $2,500 to $50,000 range and to meet the fundraising goals and objectives established for the Law School. S/he will work closely and collaboratively with the entire Development and Alumni Relations team to assure that fund-raising opportunities are maximized. Columbia Law School is among the top legal academic institutions in the world.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for a minimum of 100 personal visits/solicitations, preferably face-to-face or by Zoom, with prospects annually. Identifies and helps recruit potential volunteers for the Law School for any of the following areas: Harlan Fiske Stone Council, annual fund; reunions; Board of Visitors; and/or Alumni/ae Association.


• Identifies, cultivates, and manages a portfolio of approximately 300 donors and potential donors with annual giving capacity. Devises strategies for the solicitation and closure of gifts from individuals in portfolio. Creates annual operating plan, defining individuals to be cultivated, solicited, and closed, as well as dollars to be raised, and is responsible for meeting these targets. Prepares materials for prospect solicitation process, which may include: prospect lists; briefings; proposals; and invitations.


• Coordinates fund-raising activities with the Senior Director of Individual Giving for the Harlan Fiske Stone Council and Society and within assigned areas of responsibility. Will be expected to contribute ideas and strategies and when needed implementation for overall Development Program and other duties as assigned.


• Becomes familiar with tenets of planned giving and identifies opportunities where such vehicles are the most appropriate given prospects' personal circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.


• A minimum of 3-5 years' related experience in a competitive, challenging work environment preferred.


• Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills necessary.


• Must be creative, persuasive and tactful.


• Must have the ability to both lead and work in a team environment.


• Some evenings and weekend work necessary.


• An understanding and appreciation of the role of development in an educational institution is highly desirable, as is an understanding of a professional school's mission and structure.


• The ability to work successfully with skilled professionals in the legal, academic and corporate communities is essential.


• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.