Digital Gift Officer

About the role

The successful candidate will thrive in a data-informed environment, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the University's mission through philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Manages and actively engages a portfolio of assigned alumni, parents, and friends through personalized outreach designed to increase annual fund participation, secure leadership-level gifts, and identify prospects for future major gift cultivation.
• Conducts discovery conversations and qualification meetings to assess philanthropic interests, engagement, giving capacity, and readiness for further cultivation. Documents all interactions and maintains accurate constituent records within the University's fundraising and engagement systems.
• Develops and executes strategic communication plans for assigned prospects using a variety of channels, including email, telephone, text messaging, video messaging and conferencing, and other digital engagement tools.
• Creates individualized cultivation strategies and establishes next steps to advance prospects through the donor pipeline.
• Solicits annual fund and leadership annual giving commitments, and partners with colleagues across University Advancement to enhance donor engagement and retention.
• Identifies and refers qualified prospects to major gift officers and other fundraising staff, providing detailed information regarding donor interests, philanthropic priorities, and engagement history.
• Utilizes fundraising software, reporting tools, and portfolio management systems to track activity, monitor progress toward goals, analyze results, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborates with colleagues across Advancement to support fundraising initiatives, campaign priorities, volunteer engagement efforts, and donor stewardship activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two or more years of professional experience required, preferably in fundraising, sales, marketing, customer relationship management, higher education, or a related field involving relationship building and constituent engagement.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish relationships through virtual and digital channels.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, interpret data, and use technology effectively to support outreach and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Washington and Lee University and an appreciation for the role of philanthropy in supporting higher education.
• Fundraising experience is preferred, particularly within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or annual giving programs.
• Experience with fundraising, constituent relationship management (CRM), or donor management software is preferred.
• Experience with Slate for Advancement or similar advancement platforms is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two or more years of professional experience required, preferably in fundraising, sales, marketing, customer relationship management, higher education, or a related field involving relationship building and constituent engagement.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish relationships through virtual and digital channels.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, interpret data, and use technology effectively to support outreach and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Washington and Lee University and an appreciation for the role of philanthropy in supporting higher education.
• Fundraising experience is preferred, particularly within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or annual giving programs.
• Experience with fundraising, constituent relationship management (CRM), or donor management software is preferred.
• Experience with Slate for Advancement or similar advancement platforms is highly desirable.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, interpret data, and use technology effectively.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

The University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks.

Pay

The expected annual salary for this posting is between $62,000 - $71,000. Offers are based on factors such as qualifications, relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Schedule

The position is full-time and exempt, with benefits eligibility.