Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and working in close partnership with administrative leadership, the Assistant Director of Development, Parents & Family Giving is responsible for growing parent and family philanthropy and implementing strategies for success in securing philanthropic support from families of Merrimack College students. Partner with colleagues in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (“ODAR”) to identify, research, engage, recruit and solicit high net worth parents and families.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150+ high net-worth parents, building deep philanthropic relationships and soliciting annual leadership gifts to grow The Merrimack Fund, as well as major gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift parent prospects, successfully moving them through the qualification and cultivation processes to solicitation.
• Conduct a minimum of 10-12 face-to-face meetings per month.
• Travel locally and nationally to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Manage the logistics of communications and events to drive engagement and growth of the Parent Leadership Council, individuals who provide both philanthropic support and support to the College, particularly with Admissions, and its leadership.
• Partner with Admissions leadership, and development colleagues to identify opportunities for parent engagement.
• Prepare written briefings and solicitation strategies for senior leadership visits with prospective donors, as well as follow-up documentation and correspondence.
• Prepare proposals for gift solicitations.
• Collaborate with ODAR colleagues to engage and expand the pool of volunteers and prospective donors and coordinate solicitation strategies and campaign activities to increase parent participation in annual leadership giving.
• Maintain records of activities and engagements in Slate.
• Develop and execute documented stewardship plans for all major gift donors.
• Solicit and drive parent participation in leadership annual giving.
• Attend advancement events, including Homecoming, Commencement, Reunion, regional/local cultivation events and College events as needed.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of three years of experience in direct frontline fundraising in annual leadership and/or major gifts.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish credibility and confidence with stakeholders.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively engage with all levels within the college.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive-level alumni.
• Ability to work independently and formulate creative strategies and effective moves management for major gifts advancement.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects as needed.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in Google applications and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change; demonstrate willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.
• Experience in the successful solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts, working with individuals.
• The integrity, intellectual depth, and confidence to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A deep appreciation for Merrimack’s mission, goals, and culture and the proven ability to create engagement and fundraising strategies tied to the mission and strategic priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to motivate, engage and work with staff, donors, and campus leaders.
• Strong motivation to succeed in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment. Self starter as well as a team player.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as a representative of Merrimack.
• Evening and weekend work required as needed.
• Must have had a valid unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License for one year, and maintain throughout employment an insurable (as determined by the College’s insurer’s criteria) or a satisfactory driving record.
• Prior fundraising experience in higher education preferred.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.