Associate Director of Annual Giving

Associate Director of Annual Giving

Kenyon College seeks an Associate Director of Annual Giving to serve as a key partner in developing the next generation of philanthropic leaders. The Associate Director is primarily responsible for executing the Advancement division’s strategy as it relates to young alumni and student philanthropy. In cooperation with partners across the division and the College, the role guides the process by which students and young alumni learn about the importance of giving back to Kenyon and the impact of their giving on the life of the College.

Job Number: 493267
Work type: Exempt Staff
Location: Gambier, OH

• Oversee Student Advancement Officer program: hiring, training, and managing students; working closely with division partners and outside vendors to create successful calling and texting efforts; think strategically about continued evolution of the program for engagement and fundraising efforts with alumni, parents, and students.
• Oversee Senior Class Gift initiative: planning and executing events for senior class with the goal of fundraising and philanthropy education, forming relationships with members of senior class and campus partners to successfully execute the program.
• Identify and carry out strategies and tactics that will improve the percentage of recent graduates (0‑4 years post‑graduation) who support Kenyon philanthropically, including but not limited to event‑based fundraising and 1:1 visits. The successful candidate will be encouraged to manage a portfolio of young alumni donors for individual donor cultivation, solicitation and long‑term relationship building.
• As a member of the Young Alumni Team, develop and help implement young alumni strategy and outreach more broadly, in collaboration with partners on the Alumni and Parent Engagement team. Related responsibilities include:
  • Collaborating with Advancement Communications to develop multi‑channel solicitation strategies, including direct mail, email, texting, social media, and digital fundraising initiatives – all tailored to a young alumni audience.
  • Planning and executing targeted young alumni fundraising events in partnership with Alumni and Parent Engagement, Kenyon Fund Executive Committee, and Leadership Annual Giving (occasional travel required).
• Serve as the Annual Giving liaison to the campus wide Generosity Project, a College‑wide initiative that aims to elevate existing work related to philanthropy, volunteerism and service.
• Support Annual Giving team work such as participation in Kenyon Fund Executive Committee work, Class Agent lunch chats, the Kenyon Together online giving challenge and more.
• Provide other Annual Giving support as needed within your skill set.

• Ability to gain proficiency in Kenyon’s main database platform, Slate for Advancement, and other key software required for the position.
• Ability to use data, metrics, and analytics to refine and inform solicitation strategies, measure program success and contribute to a culture of data‑driven decision making.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, student employees and volunteers.
• Be personable, open‑minded, and possess a professional attitude.
• Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to manage large, time‑sensitive projects while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and quality of work.
• Ability to develop new methods, adapt to the changing needs of the office, and establish appropriate procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure; not easily frustrated.

Hire, onboard and supervise the work of 15‑20 student workers during the academic year.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 lb.
• Hybrid work environment opportunities with the option to work remotely for part of the week during most of the calendar year.
• Occasional night and weekend work required; travel for young alumni events and other divisional activities.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2‑4 years of experience in non‑profits, fund‑raising, admissions, alumni relations or another related field.
• Demonstrated history of…