Digital Engagement Officer

Pepperdine University; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 38,572 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Pepperdine University seeks a Digital Engagement Officer (DXO) to grow the major gift donor pipeline and engage alumni, parents, and supporters. You will prospect, research, and collaborate with the Major Giving team to craft donor-centric engagement plans and solicitations.

You will manage data in the Advancement CRM, track activity, support campaigns such as Pepperdine Gives and Waves Give, and help advance the University’s fundraising goals with integrity and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; business or related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in prospect research and major gift solicitation.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for relationship building.
• Proficiency in time management, project organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Prospect and engage potential major gift donors and build qualified pipelines.
• Collaborate with Major Giving to create donor-centric engagement plans.
• Cultivate and communicate impact stories to prospects and stakeholders.
• Lead solicitation meetings and assist with proposal development.
• Maintain data accuracy in the Advancement CRM and report on activity and outcomes.
• Coordinate and manage campaigns like Pepperdine Gives and Waves Give.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Project organization

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Master's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

VanillaSoft

Google Workspace

Job description

The Digital Engagement Officer (DXO), under the guidance of the Senior Digital Engagement Officer, plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships within the Pepperdine alumni, parent, and donor community. This role primarily focuses on prospecting and engaging potential major gift donors. By leveraging advanced donor management systems and collaborating with various teams, the DXO will contribute to the achievement of the University's advancement goals by building a strong pipeline development system.

Duties

• Prospecting & Engagement:
• Conduct proactive research to identify potential major gift donors and build qualified pipelines.
• Collaborate with the Major Giving team to create and execute donor-centric engagement plans.
• Communicate compelling stories about the impact of annual philanthropic support to prospects and stakeholders.
• Orchestrate cultivation touchpoints (events, briefings, updates) that advance prospects toward readiness to be solicited.
• Develop personalized solicitation strategies (ask amount, timing, stewardship).
• Lead and support solicitation meetings, proposal development, and follow-through to close.
• Coordinate post-gift handoff with stewardship for recognition and retention.
• Track and report on solicitation activity, pipeline movement, and outcomes.
• Campaign Management:
• Assist in coordinating and managing giving day campaigns, such as Pepperdine Gives and Waves Give days.
• Collaborate with vendors and oversee crowdfunding page editing to optimize campaign outcomes and strategic projects that will boost engagement with key alumni groups.
• Maintain and enhance data accuracy and integrity in the Advancement CRM system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• A bachelor's degree (business or related field preferred).
• 1-2 years of experience in prospect research and major gift solicitation in an advancement or fundraising office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships.
• Proficiency in time management, project organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Preferred:

• A master's Degree.
• Experience with continual improvement project management.
• Proficiency with Google Office Suite.
• Experience with donor databases, preferably Raiser's Edge and Vanilla Soft.
• Is goal-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable to evolving environments.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position that may be eligible for remote or hybrid work in accordance with the University Policy Manual.

Expected Pay Range: $28.12 - $31.25 per hour

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitivebenefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.