Assistant Director Of Next Generation Giving

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

The newly created Assistant Director of Next Generation Giving develops effective multi-channel, concierge-like outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni to help generate significant relationships, increasing alumni engagement and participation in giving. The position is an active member of the annual giving team, growing revenue and donor numbers through key programmatic responsibilities, volunteer engagement and direct solicitations with a special focus on retaining, upgrading and acquiring new donors from the most recent 25 years of Lenoir-Rhyne graduates.

This position is responsible for promoting campus philanthropy education efforts and senior class giving. The Assistant Director will also be empowered to design and implement new and creative ways to engage with the broader LR alumni community. By working closely with the Director of Annual Giving and the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, this position will work to increase reunion giving opportunities, with a sustained focus on increasing participation within the President’s Society, Loyal Bears and Sustainers Society.

Overall, this position will work closely with several departments across campus, including but not limited to alumni engagement, the major gifts team, advancement services and donor stewardship. They will play an important role in growing the Fund for Lenoir-Rhyne and overall engagement with the University during an upcoming comprehensive campaign. The Assistant Director will regularly travel to build relationships with donors, prospects and volunteers.

Essential Accountabilities

• Research, develop and implement a crowdfunding program with campus partners to increase donor participation in a niche, current use projects.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of LRU’s strategic priorities and goals.
• Research, develop and execute a mass solicitation plan to increase giving from the most recent 25 years of alumni (“next generation donors”), focusing on growing the Sustainers Society, Loyal Bears and President’s Society memberships.
• Build and expand LRU’s leadership annual prospect pool; identify strategies and opportunities to align LR with university priorities and engagement opportunities.
• Participate in professional development training by the university, the Office of Institutional Advancement and professional associations to enhance expertise and skills.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Coordinate key event and program logistics to support development activities, engage key volunteers and effectively utilize events and other activities to move solicitations forward. Such events include reunions, giving days, senior class giving program and other student and alumni activities as needed.
• Form collaborative team partnerships with other development staff members and peers to maximize fundraising productivity.
• Maintain precise records of donor contact through Lenoir-Rhyne’s donor database system and prepare timely call reports.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Proficient in navigating and using Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, RE/NXT.
• Talent to manage multiple projects and priorities while working within deadlines to achieve ambitious goals.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Professional conduct and appropriate handling of confidential information are required.
• Strategic and detailed planner who understands the role of advancement in a higher education environment.
• Possess a pleasant personality, which easily interacts with the public.
• Organizational and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Proactive, able to prioritize work to maximize department resources.
• Appreciation of Lenoir-Rhyne’s mission and the ability to communicate it effectively.
• Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the typical working day (i.e., nights and weekends).
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Education And Experience

• Experience working with volunteer donors.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in direct and varied areas of stewardship, development or alumni relations, preferably in a higher education non-profit setting.
• Occasional night and weekend work is required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft 365, and Excel).

Physical Requirements

• Fully vaccinated and boosted.
• Ability to travel to on and off-campus events.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Work Schedule

• Occasional evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand.
• Standard office hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, and values, and comply with all federal, state and local laws.

Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the position’s duties, responsibilities and requirements and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove or waive the responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position.

Position type: Staff

Reports to: Director of Annual Giving

Department: Office of Institutional Advancement

FLSA classification: Exempt, Salaried

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