About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 386 Colleges-2021 Edition, "Best in the Northeast" and Best Business Schools-2021 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu

Job Description:

The successful candidate for Development Associate will support WSHU's Development Director which oversees major gifts, planned giving, giving clubs and mid-level giving. This is an opportunity for you as a development professional to take your experience to the next level while working with and learning closely from WSHU's dynamic staff.

This position will provide support to mid-level and major giving fundraising efforts led by the Director of Development. This position will handle administrative duties, including internal meeting arrangements, proposal pipeline maintenance, drafting of correspondence and briefings, research, and event support. In addition, this position will also manage stewardship and cultivation of mid-level and major donor prospects.

Responsibilities Include:

• Management of Mid Leveling and Leader's Circle Programs including renewal, add gift stewardship and acknowledgement mailings
• Manage and grow mid-level program to increase $1,000 gifts which includes being primary liaison with outside agency
• Develop, produce and analyze weekly and monthly fundraising reports tracking goals and fundraising activities
• Execution and tracking of planned giving program
• Manage major giving database which includes highly sensitive and confidential donor information
• Assist with prospect research and meeting preparation
• Oversee annual stewardship mailings - Insider Insights and State of the Station Letters
• Assist in the coordination of stewardship events - online and in-person

Skills:

• Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to handle and complete multiple projects concurrently
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including strong oral communication skills
• Proven project/time management skills and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a talent for building strong and productive relationships across constituencies
• Comfortable communicating on the phone, in email and in person with major donors
• Comfortable cold calling
• Candidates must demonstrate a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive environment

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2 years of fundraising or relevant experience (development, sales, customer relations)
• Experience working in public media, higher-education, fundraising or non-profit setting highly desirable
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or other sophisticated fundraising database preferred
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of and appreciation of public radio and classical music a plus

Additional Information:

Statement of Personal & Organizational Responsibility for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is the recognition that our institution's success is dependent on how well we value, engage, and include the rich diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, alums, and surrounding community. It is a mastery of inclusion that fosters a consistent sense of belonging. Inclusive Excellence is aspirational and is the pillar that guides the mission, vision, and function of this unit.

To achieve Inclusive Excellence, our personal and organizational responsibilities are to:

• Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging; a safe space where all may thrive and succeed.
• Participate in educational and developmental activities to increase awareness and competencies of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; apply that understanding to guide your approach to all aspects of your job and the community as a whole.
• Demonstrate that we are "Stronger Together" as described in the Office for Inclusive Excellence statements.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted. A cover letter is appreciated.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live are encouraged.