Advancement Officer

Primary Function: The Advancement Officer cultivates relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University in order to solicit financial support from a pool of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts in the $50K to $1M+ range.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction.

Only the general direction and scope of the work are discussed with the supervisor.

Career Band: 2E Typical Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintains oversight of and regular, robust activity with a pool of approximately 180 leadership-level prospective donors, including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts (including estate gifts) at the $50K and above level.

* Builds and advances strong professional relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University that result in philanthropic contributions.

* Organizes and plans travel to strategically and efficiently visit at least 150 donors/prospective donors annually in order to meet individual fundraising goals.

* Develops and maintains comprehensive knowledge of Sewanee's fundraising priorities and serves as a resource, advocate, and spokesperson for advancement programs at the University.

* Works independently and creatively to match donor interests with institutional priorities and develop funding proposals and negotiate and structure complex gifts.

* Prepares briefings, stewardship plans/letters and other correspondence for prospective donors, collaborating with other Advancement colleagues and University staff as appropriate.

* Ensures the timely capture and recording of data relating to the assigned prospect pool.

* Maintains in-depth knowledge of the University's academic and extra-curricular programs and key faculty and administrators; may serve as an Advancement liaison to a specific institutional program area.

* Collaborates with other Advancement colleagues on special fundraising projects and/or events.

* Supports the Sewanee Fund staff by personally encouraging each of their assigned donors/prospective donors to make a gift to the Sewanee Fund each year and to make special gifts during reunion years.

* Utilizes appropriate technology to consistently accomplish follow-up tasks (including call reports and correspondence) in a timely manner.

* Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.

Machines & Equipment Used: * Personal computer, * Vehicle, * Cell phone, * Printer, * Internet and, * Various software packages.

Judgment Required: The performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon being relational, highly motivated, inquisitive, and extremely organized with attention to detail, goals, and deadlines.

Budgetary Responsibility: None Personal Interaction/Communication: * Student Contact: Minimal * Internal: Faculty, Staff, Executive Office * External: Potential & Existing Donors, Parents, Alumni, Friends, Visitors Education: * Bachelor's degree required, * Knowledge of institutional advancement and advanced fund-raising techniques, including planned giving, * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and, * relational databases; such as Banner.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience and training in development, fundraising, sales, or other related work.

Job-Related Skills: * Excellent organization, * Verbal and written communication skills, * Interpersonal, analytical, reasoning, problem-solving, and time management skills and, * Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Licenses & Certifications: Driver's license Confidential Information: * Giving histories, * Contact reports and, * Wealth screening information Working Environment: * General office * Extensive travel Physical Requirements: * Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, * Must be able to walk for extended periods of time, * Must be able to use hands for repetitive tasks, * Must be able to push and/or pull objects, * Must be able to lift between 21-50 pounds (Medium work), * Must be able to carry between 21-50 pounds (Medium work) Any additional requirements specific to this position: * Significant travel is required, * Nights and weekend, * Work required for events.

If you have questions about a position, the University application process, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process please contact Human Resources at or email us at . DEI Institutional Statement: At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry.

We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.