Job Description

Director Of Class & Affinity Giving

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location: 300 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 100006 Ofc Sr Vice Pres Advancement

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 114

Compensation Range: $86,482.00 - $129,723.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Director of Class & Affinity Giving is an integral member of the Annual Giving management team and oversees Reunion Giving, Young Alumni Giving, Student Giving, and Affinity-based fundraising initiatives. They set strategic goals, identify key prospects, engage leadership volunteers and challenge donors, and collaborate on solicitation strategies to achieve dollar, donor, and participation targets. This role drives fundraising success through multi-channel outreach, compelling cases for support, digital engagement, and targeted cultivation and stewardship. The Director also develops class-based fundraising plans in partnership with alumni relations, school development, and other Advancement staff. They manage the program budget, supervise two full-time staff, and lead key reunion classes and gift volunteers. Reporting to the Executive Director of Annual Giving Programs, they work closely with the Direct Response Team to align strategies with broader fundraising efforts for the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Mentor and manage a team of two professional staff who are responsible for program development, implementation, and external volunteer and donor management. Determine individual, program, and team goals annually, and manage the team's budget. Provide team members with the resources, feedback, and guidance needed for success. Encourage professional development opportunities and partner with colleagues in Alumni Relations to ensure staff can effectively co-manage classes. Monitor progress through data-driven reports and management tools to provide regular feedback to staff. Ensure the team is working in support of all the Annual Giving and Advancement goals and of each other. Manage key reunion classes and volunteers, serving as a role model in volunteer engagement and fundraising execution. Serve as the primary point of contact for overall Class & Affinity initiatives.
• In partnership with the Associate Director of Reunion Giving:
• Develop, implement, and report on the class/reunion giving programs, ensuring current class plans and effective preparation for future reunion milestones. Partner with alumni relations staff, school development directors, and gift officers, to recruit and engage reunion leadership volunteers. Implement participation-focused giving strategies to increase annual donors and positively impact the University's undergraduate participation rate goal.
• Execute effective solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship materials, which include web presence, print, social media, email solicitations, and volunteer peer-to-peer resources and training materials.
• Manage and guide the Associate Director of Student & Young Alumni Giving to become the expert on this constituency regarding effective philanthropic strategies. Conduct benchmarking research to identify and implement best practices in young alumni and affinity-based philanthropy. Develop fundraising strategies and goals for affinity-targeted populations in alignment with the Alumni Relations' Affinity Networks. Execute effective solicitation plans to increase affinity giving. Develop an effective solicitation strategy to increase donor participation from young alumni (graduates of the last decade).
• Regularly conduct and share analysis to manage the program and achieve goals effectively. This includes strong prospect identification, regular reporting, interacting with other managers and gift officers, tracking progress, and managing staff and volunteers. Review progress reports and projections regularly and work closely with Advancement partners to hold them accountable for their reunion-related goals and prospect manager assignments through regular interactions and communication. Work closely with the Direct Response Team to coordinate a targeted donor participation solicitation plan and ensure strategic execution across all audiences.
• Serve as a key member of the Annual Giving Programs team and contribute toward overall Annual Giving goals and progress. Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve all annual giving programmatic goals and have a positive impact on the University and its Medical Center. Engage directly with donors and volunteers through meetings, recruitment outreach, volunteer committee meeting attendance, and personal solicitations.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of experience and training required.

Master's degree preferred.

Required:

• 8 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in development work at an educational institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with fundraising in a higher education setting.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and initiate new strategies.
• Relationship building skills with colleagues and external constituents.
• Advanced database and analytical skills to review and assess complex information.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to motivate staff in a fundraising program through leadership and example.
• Ability to problem solve and manage fundraising activities effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others on a team.
• Ability to work successfully in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to be in the office on the assigned days of the week and to work effectively when remote.
• Ability to represent the University at industry conferences and in the community.
• Must be willing to do some travel to support program goals, interact with volunteers, and attend regional events as needed.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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