Assistant Director of Annual Engagement

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Annual Engagement works collaboratively with the Director of Annual Engagement to create, manage, and implement a successful annual giving program. This role coordinates and manages projects within the annual giving program, including telephone, direct mail, email, and crowdfunding appeals to raise funds for college priorities. The Assistant Director may also support the College’s Donor Engagement, Alumni Engagement, and Department of Athletics.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Director of Annual Giving, develop and execute effective strategies for soliciting annual gift prospects and building the leadership annual giving program through a solicitation calendar that uses telephone, direct mail, email, SMS, and crowdfunding appeals.
• Lead the strategy, execution, and assessment of student philanthropy programs, including Student Philanthropy Council, Philanthropy Awareness Week, Senior Class Giving, and other student engagement efforts. Serve as the primary contact for student volunteers and student workers, including recruiting, onboarding, training, and cultivating an understanding of philanthropy to encourage lifelong support of Lake Forest College.
• In partnership with the Director of Annual Engagement and Alumni Engagement, manage overall engagement and solicitation strategies for young alumni (0-10 years out) to deepen their connection to the College and increase annual giving participation.
• Develop and implement crowdfunding and digital campaigns using GiveCampus for initiatives such as Forester Athletics Support Your Sport, Giving Tuesday, Forester Day (annual day of giving), Young Alumni appeal, and special projects.
• Assist with drafting and editing annual giving communications for all channels and audiences.
• Participate in and staff department events such as Move-In Weekend, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Support Your Sport (athletics day of giving), Forester Day (day of giving), and other events as needed.
• Represent the Annual Engagement team at campus partner events to foster strong collaboration.
• Research and stay up-to-date on trends in higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy.
• Ensure all annual engagement interactions are delivered with excellence, professionalism, and kindness, adhering to the College’s values of accountability, engagement, intellectual inquiry, and curiosity.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 1 year of work experience in annual giving, direct marketing, fundraising and development, or a related field.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Word/mail merge.
• Basic understanding and enthusiasm for higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship. Advancement experience in athletics is a bonus.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to develop and build relationships with donors, alumni, prospects, and student callers.
• Experience with Slate CRM or similar (e.g., Razor’s Edge) preferred.
• Ability to use data to develop new initiatives and strategies.

Benefits

Benefits information is available at www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits.