Director of Annual Giving

Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Position Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Annual Giving at Union Theological Seminary (Union) is a key member of the fundraising team and manages a variety of tasks in support of frontline fundraising, alumni activities and volunteer engagement efforts. The Director repots to the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and also provides support for Union’s other members of the team, including the  President, Director of Institutional Partnerships, and Director of Research and Analytics. During the academic year, the team also includes part-time work study students.

Responsibilities:        

• Play a leading role in managing the logistics related to the Annual Appeal and Union’s annual Day of Giving (1836 Day), with a focus on increasing donor acquisition and retention.
• Work with the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations to create strategies to engage younger alumni.
• Assist with Alumni outreach events, including correspondence and activities with the Alumni Council, the biannual newsletter, regional gatherings and periodic Class/School Reunions.
• Arrange and provide staff support for frontline team meetings, including scheduling, preparation of meeting agendas, note-taking, and oversight of follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with staff in the Office of the President to engage the President in fundraising activities and in support of the Board’s Development Committee meetings and other outreach.
• Working in partnership with the Director of Research and Analytics, ensure timely recording of donor related activity, updated contact information, and other background information in the advancement database.
• Develop expertise in Raiser’s Edge CRM, including accessing associated fundraising reports and tools to assist with timely requests for information.
• In consultation with frontline fundraisers, plan, coordinate, and help execute prospect/donor visits and events, both on and off campus.
• Draft donor briefing materials and reports for visits by fundraisers, the President, and participating Trustees.
• Assist with general administrative duties for the team, including arranging travel arrangements, preparation of travel itineraries, briefing books, and shipping any necessary meeting or event materials. Complete travel reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner
• May help supervise work-study student(s) who support the administrative and operational needs of the team.
• Actively contribute to a team environment that fosters and promotes a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at Union.

Qualifications:

• Prior Development and Annual Fund experience is required. This is an early career position, not entry level.
• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Union Theological Seminary.
• Experience that includes office admin duties, event planning, customer service and data management.
• Must communicate effectively with external audiences and work collaboratively with members of the Development and Alumni Relations team and other colleagues across the organization.
• Self-motivated and proactive problem solver who is able to learn quickly and work independently.
• Organizational and time management skills to perform multiple, simultaneous tasks and assignments efficiently in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrated skill at responding effectively to changing priorities, and communicating with Union staff, students, alums, and donors.
• Proven attention to detail and ability to perform consistently and with a high degree of accuracy and consistent follow through.
• Ability to take initiative and solve problems independently while understanding when to seek guidance from manager or others.
• Experience communicating clearly and succinctly, both in verbal and written communications.
• Experience in providing prompt, courteous, and skillful customer service to maintain good relations with the general public, alumni, donors, prospective students, faculty, and/or colleagues.
• Exhibits professional integrity, tact, discretion, and sound judgment, including in handling confidential information.
• Must be very comfortable working in a highly computerized environment including database management, foundation research software, CRM software, Internet research, Power Point, Excel, e-mail, and other online office tools. Graphic design experience is a major plus.
• Performs other duties and projects, as assigned by the Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs or by the Office of the President.

Location: Morningside Heights, New York City

The salary for this position is $80,000. Union offers a comprehensive employee benefits program, including contributions to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as an employer contribution to a TIAA retirement plan account. This is a full-time position. Some evening work may be required for events.

For confidential consideration, please submit your cover letter, resume, to: [email protected] and indicate the specific job title in the subject line.

No phone calls, please. Those whose candidacy is being considered will be contacted.

Union Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.