Annual Philanthropy Advisor
The Annual Philanthropy Advisor is a pivotal Philanthropy and Engagement team member dedicated to advancing the college’s mission by leading and managing long-term philanthropic relationships with leadership annual philanthropy donors. The advisor will develop personalized strategies to increase total funds secured from leadership annual gifts, the average leadership gift size, the number of leadership-level gifts secured, and retention and upgrade rates. Working in collaboration with colleagues in the division and across the college, this position will bring creativity, data-driven insights, and a passion for fostering meaningful connections with donors and prospective supporters.
This role involves developing and executing strategies to secure and retain leadership-level annual donors, typically in the $1,000 to $10,000+ range, and ensuring that fundraising goals are met. By creating compelling donor experiences and sharing the transformative story of Hope College, the advisor will strengthen relationships with alumni, families, and friends and build the pipeline for major gifts. This role requires exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, communication and organizational skills, fluency in digital engagement tools, follow-through, discretion and confidentiality, and a results-driven mindset to meet ambitious fundraising goals and ensure the sustainability of Hope College’s mission and programs.
As an effective Philanthropy & Engagement team member, the Annual Philanthropy Advisor is passionate about the experience Hope College provides for students, faculty, and alumni. The Annual Philanthropy Advisor is eager to communicate how donors can expand, sustain, and amplify that experience through generosity.
Job Responsibilities:
- Activate a Leadership Annual Gift portfolio of 250+: Research and identify potential annual giving leadership-level donors in collaboration with Prospect Development and implement tailored solicitation strategies for annual philanthropy donors. Utilize email marketing and virtual engagement tools to increase contributions and donor retention. Anticipate 1000 recorded contacts annually, including 40 or more visits.
- Pilot a 10, 30, and 50-year reunion class-giving program in partnership with the director of alumni engagement and explore affinity-based, peer-to-peer giving programs. Joyfully recruit and empower volunteers so they feel valued, supported, motivated, and respected. Provide guidance, support, and recognition to foster a positive volunteer experience and maximize their contributions.
- Solicit Donations: Actively engage with leadership-level donors, directly asking for annual contributions. Increase leadership annual giving by 20% over three years. Secure a minimum of 10 match/challenge gifts for Day of Giving.
- Enhance Donor Experience: Ensure leadership donors receive exceptional and timely service, communication, and recognition for their contributions. Develop and maintain long-term relationships through personalized communication, recognition, and stewardship activities.
- Track Activity: Update donor records and record activity in a Customer Relationship Management system (Raiser’s Edge).
- Collaborate: Work closely with colleagues in major gifts, donor relations, and other development areas to align efforts and maximize fundraising success.
- Stay Informed: Keep current on philanthropy and donor engagement trends to continuously improve fundraising strategies.
- Promote and contribute to a positive, dynamic and collaborative team culture, embracing and advancing the values and contributions of culture and inclusive excellence.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (e.g., communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or higher education)
- Minimum three years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, sales, marketing, or a related field
- Comfort and experience communicating and building relationships with a diverse audience and leading relationships with donors
- Experience managing volunteers and volunteer-driven programs
- Proficient in leveraging digital engagement tools and virtual communication strategies (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, email, LinkedIn, text messaging) to build relationships and drive outreach success.
- Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
- Some evening, weekend, and travel are required with a commitment from the division to create an environment for work-life balance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in higher education fundraising
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems or donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Slate, etc.)
- Demonstrated success in implementing reunion giving or peer-to-peer giving programs
- Knowledge of best practices in donor retention and pipeline development
Key Attributes:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work independently
- Creative thinker who can develop innovative engagement strategies
- A high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and emotional intelligence
- A passion for advancing education and commitment to the Christian mission of Hope College
- Positive, resilient, and cooperative, embracing and advancing the values and contributions of culture and inclusive excellence
To apply for this job please visit jobs.hope.edu.