DESCRIPTION:
The Foundation Development Specialist helps broaden engagement and increase financial participation for the Foundation by organizing and administering projects, marketing plans, communications, and public relations efforts. Collaborates with Foundation staff and internal and external partners to provide coordination of the Foundation’s fundraising activities, including event planning, event sponsorships, and in-kind gifts for auction activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Coordinates the solicitation, collection, and data entry of auction and raffle prizes for Foundation events and outreach; compiles and writes the item descriptions for events.
2. Assists with creation of direct solicitation materials and outreach to donors and prospects.
3. Conducts research to expand major gift and leadership prospect pool through data analytics, research techniques, and electronic searching methodologies.
4. Assists with maintaining database, including donors and prospects.
5. Develops, coordinates, and executes general Foundation and Alumni communications related to events, donations, grants, donor profiles, alumni spotlights and student stories while sourcing and writing compelling, engaging content for multiple channels with clean copy, clear brand, and in alignment with the creative approach of the Foundation.
6. Assists Foundation staff and the College’s Events team with the planning, logistics, and execution of fundraising special events and receptions such as Dream Gala, Dream Cup, Presidents’ Club, and Celebration of Giving.
7. Develops and maintains tracking systems for Foundation event invitations, volunteers, and responses.
8. Receptionist for department including maintaining reception area, assisting visitors, and answering telephone.
9. Coordinates with Foundation staff to effectively communicate with businesses, individuals, and organizations interested in supporting and attending the Foundation’s events and activities.
10. Maintains the Foundation and Alumni Association websites and social networks to target audiences including Foundation Donors, community members, alumni, internal constituents, and students. Ensures that digital copy is optimized for search and user experience and reflects Associated Press writing style.
11. Collaborates with Foundation staff and the College’s Marketing and Strategic Communications team to prepare, design, and execute fundraising/solicitation and stewardship materials, electronic communications, and website content.
12. Performs other duties as may be required or assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Associate degree in marketing, graphic design, communications, journalism, public relations, events management, or related field from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, English, communications, graphic design, journalism, public relations, hospitality, events management, nonprofit management, or related field from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
2. Two or more years of experience in marketing/public relations/communications, graphic design, foundation/alumni relations, non-profits, or event planning.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
1. Ability to initiate, plan, design, execute, and monitor project(s).
2. Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment.
3. Excellent writing and editing skills, including proficiency in Associated Press writing style.
4. Familiarity with Mac and PC operating systems; Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams); Adobe Applications (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat).
5. Knowledge of electronic communications tools such as Constant Contact.
6. Knowledge of development-focused software applications such as Donor Perfect and Salesforce.
7. Knowledge of social media engagement strategies, visual design techniques and tools.
8. Knowledge of relationship building, cultivation events and donor relations.
9. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.
10. Ability to work in an independent manner with own initiative to accomplish objectives and meet deadlines.
11. Demonstrates a professional, courteous demeanor.
12. Excellent ability to gather and synthesize information into easily understandable prose.
13. Committed to working in a multicultural environment.
14. Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity, integrity, and discretion.
WORK ENVIRONMENT and SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Works in an office environment.
2. Works flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends.
3. Travels between buildings, campuses and to off-site appointments and events.
This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Apply online at https://www.seminolestate.edu/hr/jobs?id=104702
