The Division is responsible for raising major, endowed, and planned gifts from alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Such gifts range from five to nine figures and will support the University’s funding priorities as part of the Campaign. Stewardship of these donors and institutions, as well as communicating with them regularly about both the impact philanthropy makes on the University and on the priorities for the institution, is vitally important to the overall success of the Division. The Mission of the Division of University Advancement is to identify, develop, and secure the necessary resources to advance the University’s aspirations and goals, both now and in the future. Mindful that every relationship built and nurtured is of value to the University, we measure our impact through the generous gifts of time, talent and treasure shared within the University community. We are faithful stewards of these resources.
The position will assist the Associate Vice President, Diocesan Relations & International in supporting the Advancement activities for the Ecclesiastical Schools, and in support of the activities of the Diocesan Engagement priorities, including the National Collection. This position offers administrative support to the Advancement team members supporting the Schools of Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Canon Law. This position will also offer administrative support to the office of Diocesan Engagement and the National Collection.
The Advancement Coordinator works with the Associate Vice President and the Advancement teams to develop, support, and maintain programs and activities to secure philanthropic support for Catholic University and the campaign. Primary responsibilities may include: preparing materials for gift officer visits, making travel arrangements and processing receipts, requesting research and compiling prospect briefing information. Depending on the experience and abilities of the position holder, the coordinator may also coordinate annual giving campaigns and work with annual leadership donors to secure and renew gifts. In addition, the successful candidate will possess basic design and layout skills for use in creating presentation and proposal templates and simple web and photo-based content. The candidate will also pull and customize routine reports for donor tracking and prospect analysis through Raiser’s Edge. The Coordinator also supports preparation and logistics for school Board of Visitors meetings and other small-scale event planning activities. Given the extensive external contact including alumni and parent volunteers, donors, and university officials, this position requires strong interpersonal skills with attention to detail and accuracy; excellent communications skills; and complete discretion regarding the handling of confidential data.
Utilizes systems and reports both within the donor database and that link to the database that enable accurate tracking of prospect activity (done in coordination with Advancement Services), with an emphasis on tracking annual fund and major giving support for the school and providing data that helps school-based officers manage their portfolios in support of campaign funding priorities. Serves in a planning, organizing, and execution role for key meetings, including logistical support to meetings with school-based Boards of Visitors and other volunteer/donor groups, working in partnership with Central Advancement. Coordinator position will also support planning for small-scale school events related to philanthropy, the campaign, or donor stewardship, the latter in conjunction with Advancement’s stewardship and special events team. Compiles, analyzes, and organizes information (from the database or other sources) to serve as background/briefing material for meetings, reports, and solicitations. Independently drafts internal and external correspondence.
A Bachelor's Degree and from 1 to 2 years of fundraising, communications, and/or administrative experience working in a nonprofit or higher education development setting. Work requires excellent problem solving and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines; excellent communication skills including in person, over the phone, and through writing and correspondence; a motivated individual with a desire to learn and explore all aspects of fundraising; the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision; the willingness to work some evenings and be flexible with hours as required by the position. Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness and emotional intelligence. A high regard for confidentiality and sensitivity in dealing with volunteers, donors, and colleagues in a professional, complex environment. Experience/knowledge of the operations of the Catholic church is highly desirable in this role. Must have experience and comfort level with using a database, proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,PowerPoint).
Familiarity with generally accepted office procedures, and ability to utilize internet for research-related duties. Must be able to maintain confidentiality, use tact and diplomacy in difficult situations and possess a commitment to serving others. The Advancement Coordinator must be able to work independently to determine priority of work, meet deadlines, and determine methods and procedures to resolve administrative office problems.
Preferred Qualifications:
College/University Advancement or development office experience; executive
travel management preferred; experience with Raiser’s Edge, web design interface tools (iModules, WordPress, or similar), basic graphic design or desktop publishing experience, and prior experience with board report preparation is also a plus.