Description

Directs all aspects of identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major-gift donors, as well as supervising stewardship of major-gift support for The Association of Former Students, including endowed gifts, capital gifts, planned gifts, special gifts as well as special projects and events related to Development.

Please note that when applying for an opportunity, the application will need to be completed in its entirety all at once. You will not be able to save your information and return to complete your application.

DUTIES

Essential Functions: Develop, execute, assess, and lead all strategic and tactical major-gift activities.

• Lead the development and execution of major-gift fundraising and stewardship strategies and tactics, including the development of an annual major-gift fundraising strategic plan.
• Collaborate with Vice President for Development to determine appropriate major-gift goals and measurements of success.
• Foster an environment of selflessness, trust, respect, innovation, professionalism, and excellence among the Development Team.
• Report major-gift fundraising results, as well as short-term and long-term strategies, to senior management, Board of Directors, and peers as requested.

Raise major-gift support for The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major-gift prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors for Endowed Century Club gift, Aggie Ring Scholarship gifts, and The Association’s capital priorities.
• Utilize Salesforce to research and identify new prospects, enhance ROI of fundraising efforts and perform regular portfolio maintenance.
• Assess and expand portfolio by building relationships, identifying new potential candidates, and acting on data and potential donor research.
• Travel frequently across Texas and out of state as necessary to visit with prospective donors.
• Create, continue and enhance strong, trusted and sustaining relationships with major donors for The Association of Former Students by utilizing active listening skills to match the philanthropic interests of the donor with the mission and goals of The Association.
• Translate Association objectives and information into relatable messages that resonate with the donor.
• Promote a positive image of Texas A&M and The Association among its constituents and serve as an advocate.
• Author and edit funding proposals, grants, gift agreements and donor communications to facilitate gift solicitations.
• Prepare timely interaction notes and other appropriate progress reports and maintain accurate records of donor activity in Salesforce.
• Drive innovation of all major-gift fundraising strategies, specifically including development of strategies and tactics for increasing Endowed Century Club and capital gift donors.
• Oversee research and assessment of demographic and psychographic trends to determine effective solicitation tools and strategies.
• Create customized solicitation strategies based on strategic objectives of The Association and the interests of the donor.

Develop, execute, and assess strategic and tactical major-gift activities.

• Plan and direct special events, in coordination with Association Events team, related to donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Design and implement short- and long- term strategic development plans to strengthen existing relationships with current major donors and expand the donor base through acquisition of new donors through donor cultivation activities including but not limited to athletic and special event hosting.
• Manage utilization of events (e.g., pre-game receptions, away-game dinners, university events, Vintner Dinner, etc.) for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage utilization of Association suite at Blue Bell Park and designated suite and other seats at Kyle Field for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Improve standard operating procedures, increase efficiency in processes, and create opportunities to improve efficiency at The Association.

Provide oversight, management, and direction of major-gift stewardship efforts.

• Oversee accurate and timely record-keeping activities for Endowed Century Club, Aggie Ring Scholarships, Memorial Scholarships, and all other capital gifts in compliance with internal and legal standards.
• Oversee production of accurate and timely statements for endowment accounts.
• Manage efforts to provide timely and appropriate stewardship recognition to all major gift donors, including recognition events.
• Fulfill personal stewardship activities as needed by Vice President for Development.

Participates and provides input on various Association-wide activities, which may include:

• Actively contributing to efforts to achieve culture, engagement, and fundraising goals.
• Providing on-site event support for Board and Leadership Council meetings.
• Participating on internal event and task committees.
• Participating in Association events including, but not limited to, Muster, Aggie Ring Day, Reunions, Distinguished Alumni Gala, Pass It Back Day, All-Aggie Grad Party, and All-Aggie Hullabaloo, as needed.
• Representing The Association as needed at external events.

Serves as an ambassador for The Association by meeting Team Expectations; supporting The Association’s fundraising, engagement, branding, and communications efforts; and fostering relationships with former students, current students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Texas A&M.

Occasional other duties as assigned.

This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected duties. The employee understands that the job description is neither complete, nor permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of their supervisor, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties or take on additional responsibilities without notice.

SUPERVISION

Received: Vice President of Development.

Given: Assistant Director of Development, Manager of Development, Development Specialist and Student Assistant.

Requirements

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.

KNOWLEDGE

Required: Proficiency in using Microsoft applications.

Preferred: Knowledge of Salesforce.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required: Proven ability to develop rapport quickly, communicate effectively with a wide variety of personalities and possess the aptitude to relate well to the academic and former student community. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality with a variety of prospects, donors, and leadership volunteers. Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including excellent listening skills possessing the ability to articulate complex information with influence. Strong relationship-building and customer service skills with the ability to initiate meaningful and trusted relationships with diverse audiences. Strong leadership, critical thinking, innovation and project management skills. Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure of goals and deadlines.

Preferred: Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and discretion while maintaining a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances. Proven ability to work collaboratively and build cross-organizational partnerships.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Minimum 5 years of networking or development experience with demonstrated history of success or related professional experience in a development position.

Preferred: 7 years of related development experience with at least 3 years' successful experience in front-line major gifts fundraising. Demonstrated success and effectiveness in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding donors/potential donors. Experience working effectively and respectfully with high-level leadership team, board members and other high-level stakeholders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Required: Ability to sit for long periods of time at a personal computer performing work related functions or in vehicle for travel. May require occasional physical exertion such as long periods of standing, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting or similar activities.

OTHER

Required: Strong commitment to the mission and vision of The Association of Former Students with the ability and desire to serve as an advocate for the organization and Texas A&M University. High-level of drive and energy to be constantly meeting, qualifying, and engaging donors and potential donors. Flexibility to travel extensively including evenings, overnight and weekends. A valid Texas driver license and good driving record must be maintained as a requirement of the position. Frequent and extensive travel (including overnight stays, weekends and evenings) with the ability to visit donors in offices, residences or other agreed locations is a requirement of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE

Required: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Special event hours, including nights and weekends, as required.

This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected duties. The employee understands that the job description is neither complete, nor permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of their supervisor, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties or take on additional responsibilities without notice.