• Builds a pool of prospective high-level to help fulfill the philanthropic priorities of Spelman College focusing on planned giving prospects. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other IA units to qualify and verify this pool of prospects.

• Tracks the moves management and progress toward annual fundraising goals for the Division. Responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the prospect strategy and clearance process, including identification, rating, and research; assigning prospects to leadership gift and planned giving fundraisers; and monitoring the size of prospect portfolios, all in collaboration with the Prospect Research and Leadership Gifts and Planned Giving teams.

• Maximizes the work of staff fundraisers as well as the Spelman President, IA VP, trustees, and other volunteers, by analyzing data and developing strategies for securing the ultimate gift, including optimal solicitation timing and pledge fulfillment.

• Supports the VP for Institutional Advancement in achieving divisional priorities and targets, consistent with the College’s strategic plan and campaign priorities.

• Oversees and motivates direct reports and several other indirect reports representing the individual and planned giving functions. This would include the development and implementation of metrics for the individual and planned giving team as well as continuing to build and strengthen their fundraising outcomes.

• In partnership with the Prospect Research Team, oversees and monitors all aspects of identification, qualification, assignments, and strategy development.

• Works with the VP for Institutional Advancement (and the President and Board, as appropriate) in the recruitment and engagement of volunteers, and solicitation of gifts. Inform regularly and engage the College’s senior and volunteer leadership in fundraising activities, and accompany them on appropriate cultivation and/or gift request visits.

• In coordination with the Division of Strategic Communications and Marketing ensures the development of all necessary leadership and planned giving collateral and a dissemination plan to staff and volunteers to include website, intranet, and email communications.

• Edits gift and grant request proposals for the individual and planned giving officers, and provides oversight for the editing and routing of proposals for approval, as well as for other internal and external fundraising communications.

• Identifies negotiates and closes substantial gifts and pledges. Provides briefings for the College President, VP for Institutional Advancement, senior administrators, and volunteers (as appropriate) for meetings with leadership gift prospects and donors.

• Partners with other members of the Advancement Leadership Team to ensure effective Division-wide collaboration and execution of objectives. Areas of collaboration include alumnae engagement, donor relations, stewardship, research, personnel, and fundraising reporting.

• Works closely with the AVP for Development Operations to develop the focus and agenda for Prospect Strategy Meetings, and update fundraising progress charts.

• Partners with the appropriate team members to recommend and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to ensure that donors are appropriately acknowledged and stewarded.

• Participates in the development of compelling fundraising messages.

• Represents Spelman College as appropriate, and the ongoing fundraising efforts, in local and national communities.

• Regular and/or overnight travel 20 – 35% of the time.

Job Summary