Rowan University

Director of Annual Giving, University Advancement

The University

Rowan University is a Carnegie-classified national doctoral research institution dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. Founded in 1923, the University has evolved from a teacher preparation school to a comprehensive research university that’s ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best national public research universities in the nation.

The University is held as a prime example of the power of visionary philanthropy to transform an institution. Henry Rowan’s historic $100,000,000 gift in 1992 forever changed then-Glassboro State College’s trajectory. At the time, the gift was the largest to a public institution in the United States. It catalyzed unprecedented growth across the University, and made possible its current status as a leader in education, healthcare and research.

Guided by the dynamic leadership of President Ali A. Houshmand, today Rowan is the nation’s 5^th fastest-growing research university among public doctoral institutions. The University offers bachelor’s through doctoral programs to nearly 20,000 students through its campuses in Glassboro, Camden and Stratford, New Jersey, and online. It is one of only three universities in the nation to grant both M.D. and D.O. medical degrees. It is home to seven colleges and five schools:

• Rohrer College of Business
• Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts
• College of Education
• Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
• College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• College of Performing Arts
• College of Science & Mathematics
• School of Earth & Environment
• School of Nursing & Health Professions
• School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
• Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Focused on practical research at the intersection of engineering, medicine, science and business, Rowan has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and developing public-private partnerships.

The University counts 100,000 alumni from 50 states and 42 countries.

Position Summary

Rowan is seeking an outcomes-oriented, self-starting leader to become its next Director of Annual Giving. If you’re selected, you’ll join the Division of University Advancement on the heels of the successful completion of Rising: The Campaign for Rowan University, in which the University oversubscribed its $120,000,000 goal. Affirmed and energized, the University will capitalize on this momentum by readying itself for a new campaign to fuel the University of the Future, Rowan’s bold new strategic plan. If chosen, you’ll be a vital component of the success of this audacious endeavor.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President for Development and working closely with the Advancement Communications Team, you’ll develop, execute and manage a comprehensive annual giving program. You’ll bring to bear your highly strategic, “can-do” mindset to leverage and coordinate a matrix of communication and solicitation modes of approach including direct mail, email, phone (text and voice),  social media, personal solicitation and volunteer management. You’ll implement an overall strategy that shapes a sustainable tradition of annual engagement and support from alumni, friends, parents, staff and students.

As the architect and leader of a comprehensive Annual Giving Program, you’ll plan and execute an annual Employee Giving Program, the Senior Class Giving Program and Rowan Gives (a day of giving celebration). You’ll create other programs to support your plans and goals as opportunity arises, and you’ll assist with the annual solicitation of volunteer groups and boards. You’ll also oversee the Phonathon Manager, who’s responsible for managing the student Phonathon program.

Through your successes and the momentum you’ll generate, you’ll have the opportunity to make the case – backed by data – to grow and expand the Annual Giving Program.

The University Advancement Team

If, after a highly competitive selection process, you’re the selected candidate, you’ll become part of a culture within the Division of Advancement that’s characterized by consummate professionalism, an exemplary work ethic and a high collective EQ. Above all, this culture – which you’ll contribute to and shape – is team-oriented.

In formulating strategic decisions, we use data-driven tools (for which exceptional training is provided), such as electronic prospect screening and predictive modeling, quantitative and qualitative research and attitudinal surveys. We create an ecosystem of learning within the Division, and promote team members from within when feasible. We recruit professionals whose values, work ethic and expertise align with and complement ours. That said, we’re not a “cookie-cutter” hirer. We celebrate and value differences of perspective, and know that diversity in all its forms fosters creativity and innovation.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Developing a comprehensive strategic plan that integrates all annual giving initiatives.
• Setting and achieving aggressive goals regarding funds raised, donor retention, alumni participation and participation among other key constituents (e.g., Rowan University Trustees and Rowan University Foundation board members).
• Collaboratively creating strategies for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of alumni, parents, students, friends, staff and Rowan University Trustees and Rowan University Foundation board members through direct and digital marketing, as well as individual relationship management.
• Providing strategic direction and long and short-range planning to increase philanthropic support for The Rowan Fund, consistently working to upgrade donors and increase the number of leadership donors ($1,000 and above).
• Creating and executing digital marketing strategies to maximize giving, especially among current students, young alumni and reunion classes.
• Managing the Phonathon Manager and devising and implementing strategies for the Call Center program, and setting and achieving goals for student philanthropy, parent giving, online campaigns and alternate channels.
• Working in cooperation with Advancement and University leadership to ensure that marketing and communication expenditures: produce optimum returns in terms of donor acquisition, retention and dollars raised; and coordinate and complement communications strategies for other Division areas such as Alumni Engagement and Advancement Communications.
• Working in cooperation with the Director of Advancement Services to foster the growth of best practices in the supporting areas of gift processing and data.
• Ensuring that all fundraising activities and communications are consistent with and promote the University’s strategies regarding image and messaging.
• Developing an annual budget, monitoring budget expenditures throughout the year and developing quarterly and long-term budget projections.
• Collaborating closely with the Office of Alumni Engagement to develop, support, maintain and integrate state-of-the-art alumni relations and fundraising programs.

Being both a team player and a big-picture thinker, you’ll appreciate annual giving as a vital, enabling component of successful major gifts and gift planning programs. To these ends, you’ll develop effective policies and procedures for activity coordination with those areas.

About You

If you’re an outstanding candidate for this role, you’re an experienced fundraising professional, ideally with concentrated annual giving expertise. You possess the stature and interpersonal skills to meaningfully engage and support the University’s diverse leaders, alumni, students, volunteers, donors and prospective donors in a manner that generates excitement, inspires action, deepens commitment and increases support. You have the proven ability to strategically and effectively navigate within a  multifaceted organizational environment, ideally demonstrated through direct experience within a complex research university setting. You’re a transparent and collaborative team member who thrives in a workplace that values diversity, creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit.

As a successful leader within the University Advancement team, you’ll:

• Lead with your integrity; your word is impeccable.
• See every day as an opportunity to grow and learn, and enjoy helping others do likewise.
• Derive satisfaction in supporting and empowering your teammates, and inspire others to do their best.
• View honest feedback and constructive criticism as gifts for which to be grateful.
• Thrive in an atmosphere of accountability.
• Communicate clearly, and do what you say you will do.
• Exude positivity, and be slow to ascribe negative motivation to your colleagues’ actions.

As a professional, you have:

• Proven ability to achieve goals.
• Experience and strong working knowledge across a range of annual giving programs.
• Demonstrable experience in developing an annual strategic plan.
• A keen understanding of effective marketing techniques for both broad-based and highly segmented audiences, including faculty and staff, current students, parents, alumni donors and non-donors, long-term donors, non-alumni donors and leadership volunteers.
• An empirical mind, and the patience and rigor to test approaches and make data-based adjustments.
• Excellent “soft skills,” and communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Proven ability to effectively analyze and segment data.
• Demonstrable understanding of social media and how to leverage it.
• Experience engaging, mobilizing and supporting alumni, student and parent volunteers.
• The ability to take primary responsibility for and manage multiple projects concurrently, and to complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.
• Management skills that teach, lead, motivate and inspire.
• A strong capacity to collaborate and build consensus with creativity, insight and transparency.

Additional Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of three (3) years of annual giving, direct marketing or related/transferrable advancement experience, preferably in a higher education or non-profit environment. Prior management experience is preferred.  
• A valid driver’s license, as occasional travel is required.
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and professionalism.
• Ability to work with all levels of the University community, including volunteers, students, faculty, department heads and deans.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required. This is currently a “hybrid-remote” position that balances weekly in-office and remote work. Determinations regarding this position’s potential flexible work options upon resumption of normal work routines will be considered in adherence to applicable policies and subject to approval by Human Resources.