Description
Reporting to the Head of Development (“Head”) and serving as a key member of the Individual Giving (IG) team within the Advancement department, this position advances the mission of Success Academy Charter Schools (SA) through the engagement and solicitation of individual donors and prospects to secure mid-level and major gifts. Specifically, this includes managing and coordinating the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of the assigned portfolio with the goal of significantly increasing philanthropic revenues in support of SA’s ambitious goals for operational, programmatic, and capital purposes.
The Individual Giving Officer is a proactive, confident self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values results. They are persistent and driven to succeed in advancing efforts to grow a robust pipeline of individual donors and in meeting or exceeding goals. Success in this role will require the following qualities:
Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and driven to lead and collaborate with others to achieve success;
Detail-oriented and analytical;
Strategic, proactive, and forward thinking;
Persuasive, outgoing, and confident with exceptional communication skills;
Possesses the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; and
Adheres to and promotes SA’s mission, culture, and strategic priorities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Cultivation and Solicitation (50%):
Under the direction of the Head of Development, the Officer manages and grows an assigned portfolio of existing and prospective individual donors with mid-level up through major gift capacity ($5,000-$500,000), with the goal of significantly increasing philanthropic revenues from this donor segment to meet established goals.
Actively participates in the solicitation of support for special events (e.g., Spring Benefit) to meet/exceed goals.
Engages in the direct cultivation and solicitation of donors and prospects, including through in-person meetings, telephone, video conferences, written solicitations/proposals, email, and other means tailored as specifically as possible to donor preferences.
Meet or exceeds agreed upon monthly, quarterly, and annual goals and performance metrics with respect to portfolio management, moves management, solicitations, closures, and dollars raised.
Records all significant donor interactions in RE NXT database and tracks gifts and pledge commitments within assigned portfolio. Monitors pledge reminders, receipting, and acknowledgement processes for timeliness and accuracy.
In collaboration Advancement colleagues, develops and coordinates the execution of actionable engagement and solicitation strategies for current/prospective donors.
Donor Prospecting (20%):
Utilizes the RE NXT database and other available prospect research and analytical tools to identify, segment, and qualify a broader and deeper pool of prospective donors with the capacity and affinity to make annual gifts at targeted levels, including potential upgrades to the major gift level.
Works closely with the Donor Engagement and Advancement Services teams to identify prospective donors for deeper engagement opportunities, including grassroots donors, event attendees, Young Professionals Committee, referrals, etc. to augment Officer’s portfolio.
Collaborates with the Advancement Services team to source qualified prospects through informed database queries and analysis.
Donor Stewardship & Communications (20%):
Along with other Individual Giving Officers and Donor Engagement team, assists with annual donor recognition/appreciation efforts and activities.
Collaborates closely with Donor Engagement team to conceive and implement targeted communications and engagement strategies, stewardship, and tailored events/experiences to deepen engagement and support within Officer’s donor portfolio.
Serves as informal advisor to Donor Engagement team regarding donor communiques such as acknowledgement letters and “Success Stories” newsletter.
Special Projects & Administration (10%):
Assists the Head of Development and Chief Advancement Officer with any special projects, especially those related to individual giving, including but not limited to fundraising events, direct response efforts, planned giving, and/or administrative tasks.
Participates in overall IG team and Advancement department planning and budgeting, as requested, and manages expenses within budget.
Endeavors to remain abreast of SA programs, activities, accolades, and new initiatives to most effectively engage and/or steward donors to greater levels of support.
Participates in and helps staff SA/Advancement events, as needed.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND OCCASIONAL DUTIES:
Other duties as may be assigned from time to time. Occasional evening and weekend work required to meet critical deadlines.
Requirements
Education (Minimum Needed and Type of Degree Needed):
Minimum Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Preferred: Advanced degree. CFRE or other specialized certification/designation is beneficial.
Work Experience (Minimum Needed):
Minimum Required: 3+ years in individual giving (or similar fundraising experience) and/or consultative sales in a similar role at an organization of comparable size and complexity.
Specialized Knowledge Needed for Performance of Job:
Demonstrated prior success in individual giving (or consultative sales role) required. Portfolio management experience beneficial.
Skills (e.g. Level of Judgment Required, Ability to Direct, Work Independently, Multi-Task, etc.):
Ability to think strategically and contextually, and to anticipate the needs and expectations of manager and executives.
Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple, concurrent tasks, exhibit flexibility, and meet deadlines.
Ability to analyze and present data effectively, make decisions, and align efforts with priorities and opportunities.
Acts with tact and discretion, respecting confidentiality and proprietary information.
Special Skills (Technical or Advanced):
Proficient with RE NXT or similar CRM systems, MSOffice (and/or Google suite), and Internet required.
Knowledge of relevant prospect research and analytical tools beneficial.
Other (Communication Skills, Mechanical Aptitude, Math Skills, Learning Skills, or Other Specific Skills Required):
Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Possesses a passion for the mission of SA and engages prospects with same passion.
Ability to travel locally, occasionally work after hours and on weekends.
