Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement

The University of Southern Maine Foundation

Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement

Leveraging the success of the “Great University Campaign”, the largest and most successful in USM’s history, the University of Southern Maine Foundation is now seeking an experienced Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement to help set the stage for our next ambitious chapter.  The successful director will be expected to strengthen the annual giving program to increase the number of donors, their level of giving, and their continued support of the University and its philanthropic priorities, while also bolstering alumni affinity for the University through meaningful engagement experiences. The ideal candidate is an energetic, organized and creative professional prepared to bring an established annual giving program to the next level and develop and implement an alumni engagement strategy that will help create a pipeline for future philanthropic support. 

The mission of the USM Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation is pursuing new and innovative ways to strengthen scholarship programs, raise capital and achieve ambitious goals, as we help to fuel transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation employs an experienced and resourceful team dedicated to supporting the success of the University and its students. The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors, which has full responsibility for the Foundation’s strategic direction and advancement efforts. 

In service to our mission, our culture and values are at the center of all we do. Our work cadence is sustained by our focus on flexibility, play, and rest. In our interactions with one another and our constituencies, we are respectful, and we are light. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We find that an approach of “going lighter,” being playful, and finding humor yields better outcomes and we have more fun in the process.

The Foundation provides a very robust benefits package, and we expect people to utilize them. Benefits include four weeks of paid vacation, thirteen paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401(K) retirement plan match, and profit sharing. Health benefits include extremely generous medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. We encourage and support ongoing professional development. 

Position: Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement

Reports to: Senior Director Engagement, USM Foundation

Salary Range:    $70,000 depending on experience

Summary:  The Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement at the USM Foundation is entrusted to develop and implement an annual giving and alumni engagement strategy that leads to greater support and meaningful participation in the life of the University through financial contributions, volunteerism and leadership. The director provides strategic direction and implements programs, initiatives, events and communications aimed at strengthening relationships and increasing philanthropic support for the University.

Manage the Annual Giving Program – (45%)

1. Create and implement a written plan for the Foundation’s annual giving program in collaboration with key operational areas and in service to the Foundation’s overall goals. The plan will put special focus on increasing alumni participation, developing leadership annual giving donors, managing donor loyalty programs and giving societies, and pipeline development through the identification, engagement, cultivation and solicitation of annual gifts
2. Manage a calendar of annual solicitations across multiple communications channels, including USPS mailings, email program, social media, friends-asking-friends, online platforms, etc. 
3. Create a sophisticated, data-driven segmentation plan for solicitations that integrates resource management and ROI
4. Analyze data and continually monitor progress in order to pivot or make necessary course corrections
5. Set annual goals and complete annual evaluation of program success

Alumni Engagement – (45%)

1. Provide leadership support  to the Alumni Engagement Council, in coordination with the Senior Director of Engagement,whose mission is to maintain a connection with the University, students, and fellow graduates 
2. Develop and support alumni volunteers to advance the work of the Alumni Engagement Council and the USM Foundation
3. Create and deliver an integrated alumni engagement plan aimed at creating and fostering life-long, mutually beneficial relationships
4. Cultivate and leverage community partnerships to increase opportunities for alumni engagement
5. Plan and implement targeted alumni engagement opportunities that support University priorities and create an inclusive alumni community
6. Initiate and/or support joint alumni and student programming with University partners including, but not limited to, the Career and Employment Hub, Athletics, Colleges, Schools, Student Affairs and other programs
7. Ensure current students and recent graduates understand the value of a long-term relationship with the University, including philanthropic support
8. Set annual goals and complete annual evaluation of program success

Liaison Relationships, Administrative and Internal Service – (10%)

1. Liaise with your designated USM department, program, college or school to create plans and facilitate fundraising and alumni engagement in support of their programs
2. Manage and track annual giving and alumni engagement annual budget.Learn and deploy third party technology platforms for on-line giving and communications, and serve as point of contact for internal users; ensure best practices
3. Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Education/Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of four or more years of relevant development and/or advancement experience
• Volunteer management and event planning experience, preferably in higher education

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities: 

• Creative leader who enjoys using data to drive strategic decision-making, collaborating with colleagues, and communicating directly with donors, alumni and students
• Experience with data segmentation and analysis
• Demonstrated abilities in project management with emphasis on coordinating multiple projects simultaneously; ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to learn, adapt to, and/or leverage new technologies
• Ability to work effectively with donors, alumni and staff
• Staff and organize events, which may occur evenings/weekends
• Excellent oral and written skills 
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and multiple tasks in a professional and efficient manner
• Thorough understanding of outcomes-based event planning
• Professional and courteous demeanor and ability to represent the Foundation and University professionally to the public
• Graduates of the University of Southern Maine are preferred, but not required
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with CMS and Microsoft Office applications     
• High standard of integrity with confidential information
• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License

University of Southern Maine Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to usm.foundationjobs@maine.edu. Please submit materials by May 31 for priority consideration.

The Foundation provides a very robust benefits package, and we expect people to utilize them. Benefits include four weeks of paid vacation, thirteen paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401(K) retirement plan match, and profit sharing. Health benefits include extremely generous medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. We encourage and support ongoing professional development.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to usm.foundationjobs@maine.edu. Please submit materials by May 31 for priority consideration.