Assistant Director Donor Experience

Posting Summary

Standard work schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm with 1 hour lunch break. 37.5 hours per week. Required to travel, work evenings and weekends, as required. Must have reliable means of transportation.

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

Position Description

Under limited supervision, reporting to the Director of Donor Experience (Director), the Assistant Director of Donor Experience (Assistant Director) will manage a portfolio of donors and develop personal relationships that result in renewed or increased support to the university. The Assistant Director will utilize Blackbaud CRM and other analytics tools, and the role will use email, social media, video conferencing, and phone to provide prospective donors with information that deepens their understanding and connection to the university and solicit them for annual gifts. This position is a member of the Division of University Development and will operate within the system and procedures of USC Development to ensure consistent and well-coordinated activities.

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience in an area such as alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development. This position may require travel overnight to conferences for continuing education and professional development. Must have a valid driver's license.

Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience in higher education fundraising or other nonprofit organizations. Experience in annual giving, advancement/development communications, and/or donor relations. Proven experience in revenue generation, communications and marketing, client relations and partner success.

Comprehensive knowledge of principles and planning methods and conducting a comprehensive integrated and omnichannel marketing fundraising program. Strong knowledge of predictive analytics and metrics to include effective mass solicitation and communication strategies. Ability to manage complex projects while also managing relationships with colleagues and supervising staff. Understands best industry practices related to digital communications and analytics tools for fundraising success. Utilize quantitative and qualitative information to improve decision-making and outcomes and document results. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, faculty, alumni, donors, students, volunteers, businesses, external vendors, and the general public. Work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. Apply creative and entrepreneurial thinking while applying sound judgment and conducting oneself with integrity. Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. The success of this position will be measured by: an annual increase in year-over-year donor retention, an annual increase in year-over-year dollar retention, and an annual increase in reactivated donors.

Job Duties

Establish and manage a portfolio of 750+ current, lapsed, and prospective annual giving donors. Cultivate relationships with these donors via email, phone, social media, video conferencing, texting messaging, and BlackBaud CRM. Perform 50+ outbound touchpoints per day. Execute monthly and quarterly touchpoint cadences across the portfolio to ensure consistent and relevant donor communication. Demonstrate to donors the impact of their giving. Provide information on university developments and programs relative to their interests. Solicit donors to make new gifts, renew or upgrade. Promote philanthropic opportunities, such as university and college giving priorities, crowdfunding projects, and the day of giving, Give 4 Garnet.

Consult with fundraising colleagues within the colleges and units to ensure that fundraising efforts are collaborative and streamlined. Develop and maintain broad knowledge of the university, such as admissions, athletics, colleges, and continuing education. Build out a resource hub of relevant content to share with donors.

Collaborate effectively with other members of the Annual Giving and Lead Generation department as part of a comprehensive multi-channel marketing program, including direct mail, email, and social media. Identify and engage with alumni influencers in digital and social media. Identify potential major gift prospects and forward these to colleagues, as appropriate.

Identify and troubleshoot challenges to donors' online giving and engagement experience and work with appropriate colleagues to address them.

Perform other duties as assigned

Position Attributes

Posting Detail Information

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by January 18, 2024.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

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The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.