Philanthropy Officer

InsideHigherEd is seeking a dedicated Philanthropy Officer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing gifts from foundations, corporations, and individual donors to support our organization's mission.

You will work closely with our Alumni Engagement and Development teams to develop and implement fundraising strategies, create case statements and proposals, and provide leadership and administration of various fundraising programs.

This is a dynamic and challenging role that requires strong analytical and organizational skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Fundraising – 70%
  • In partnership with Duke Alumni, Engagement, and Development teams, solicit, cultivate, and secure gifts for all DCA strategic priorities and units, with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 - $5M.
  • Oversee, coordinate, and implement annual giving programs that will increase support for DCA unrestricted funds and special initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain personal relationships with prospects, friends, and donors via telephone, email, online platforms, and domestic and local travel in order to qualify interest, cultivate awareness, secure support, and provide stewardship.
  • Support overall efforts to grow and enrich DCA's prospect pipeline.
  • Solicit and secure gifts from foundations and corporations in support of DCA strategic priorities and programs.
• Constituency Relations and Stewardship – 30%
  • Create case statements and proposals for outreach to corporations, foundations, and individual donors.
  • Provide leadership and administration of the Doing Good Employee Giving Campaign, the Duke-Durham Fund, and the Corporate Partnership.
  • Provide oversight of the fundraising operations, including systems that support excellent cultivation and stewardship of donors.
  • Liaise with Duke Alumni Engagement and Development and work closely with DCA Senior Team in the development and management of possible volunteer boards, committees, advisory groups, and other service activities as appropriate.
  • Maintain donor records using SAP and Duke Alumni Development Database (DAAD) and oversee the tracking of all gift commitments.
  • Engage in timely and accurate gift acknowledgment to donors.
  • Lead and provide oversight, planning, and implementation of special events.
  Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, analytical and organizational skills
  • Five years experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in an education setting
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple complex fundraising activities simultaneously
  • Experience working with volunteers and volunteer groups
  • Demonstrated successful experience in soliciting five and six-figure gifts

Estimated Salary: $125,000 per year