POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations- West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1236
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director, Engagement and Alumni Relations
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains works collaboratively with the Director of Annual Funds in creating, managing, and implementing, a successful annual giving program for the MSU West Plains campus. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains coordinates and manages projects within the MSU West Plains annual giving program, including direct solicitation through mail and social media, digital and web-based solicitations, and marketing to raise funds for University priorities. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains assists with coordinating stewardship events for donors to MSU West Plains. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains collaborates with the MSU Foundation in Springfield in overseeing the MSU West Plains scholarship manager software system. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Engagement and alumni Relations for the development and implementation of programs and events designed to inform and engage MSU West Plains’ alumni and friends with the University. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains recruits and collaborates with alumni volunteers in achieving campus goals. The Assistant Director, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - West Plains assists with planning Homecoming events, reunions, and affinity groups for alumni.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: An Associate’s degree is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Experience: At least one year of successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising or alumni relations.
Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills are required. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills are required, with excellent public speaking skills. Writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with volunteers is required. Must be a self-starter, detail-oriented, and committed to follow through. Computer literacy, particularly in word processing and using internet resources, social media, and databases is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: The job frequently requires travel and attendance at evening and weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, and workshops.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Under the guidance of the Director of Annual Funds, develops, implements, and supervises MSU West Plains’ Annual Giving programs, including mail, social media, and digital solicitations.
2. Plans, executes, and ensures achievement of established goals for all annual funds campaigns, which include direct marketing, specialized campaigns on behalf of specific programs or departments, the Faculty/Staff campaign, address label mailing, and other campaign efforts as needed.
3. Drives programs and campaigns to increase participation of alumni, friends, and students in giving to provide a growing base of donors to support the University.
4. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources to drive continuously improved campaign performance.
5. Develops measurable goals and metrics to monitor the impact of annual giving activities on the success of donor acquisition and retention.
6. With the Director of Annual Funds, establishes and maintains tracking and testing methods for all solicitation initiatives and adjust strategies based on the results of data analysis.
7. Plans and executes crowdfunding efforts and electronic solicitations through targeted segmentations to achieve annual goals.
8. Utilizes technology and social media to create and implement innovative annual giving programs to connect with current donors, establish new donors, and increase annual giving.
9. Develops plans and programs for new fundraising initiatives, such as a day of giving, young alumni program, etc.
10. Works closely with alumni relations staff to communicate with alumni regarding annual funds, giving opportunities, recognition of donors, and assists with event promotion as needed.
11. In collaboration with the Foundation in Springfield, oversees the MSU West Plains scholarship manager software system.
12. In collaboration with the Foundation in Springfield, assists with coordinating donor recognition events to provide stewardship to donors of the MSU West Plains campus.
13. Engages alumni and friends of the University by assisting with coordination of alumni activities and providing organization and support to their meetings and activities.
14. Plans and organizes alumni events and reunions during Homecoming by working with the Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations and members of the MSU West Plains Development Office.
15. Fosters good relationships with alumni by responding to inquiries from alumni and providing requested information and assistance.
16. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations, coordinates the production of communications sent to alumni by writing text for brochures, letters, news articles, mass email messages, etc.
17. Recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers for alumni and fundraising events and programs.
18. Recruits and coordinates volunteer opportunities for members of the Student Alumni Association (SAA).
19. Assists in website functions and duties related to Annual Giving and Alumni Relations.
20. Organizes the annual appreciation dinner for the MSU West Plains Advisory Board.
21. Assumes lead responsibility with fundraising events for the MSU West Plains Booster Club and the Friends of the Garnett Library.
22. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
23. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations.
24. Contributes to the success of Missouri State University West Plains by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations - MSU West Plains campus is supervised by the Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MAY 2021
