Assistant Director of Development

Position Purpose

Serving as a development officer for New England College, the Assistant Director of Development is charged with implementing a comprehensive development plan to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, and community members to achieve the fundraising goals for the College.

The Assistant Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more.

This position is responsible for collaborating with all campus colleagues regarding funding opportunities for NEC. As the Assistant Director of Development at New England College, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of NEC and our students.

In this role, you will have the chance to work closely with donors, alumni, and stakeholders, utilizing your exceptional fundraising and relationship-building skills to drive philanthropic support for NEC’s programs and initiatives. Essential Duties Summary

• Collaborate with the Director of Development to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and initiatives that align with the NEC’s goals and priorities.
• In partnership with Vice President of Advancement and other campus leaders, implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities established by the President.

Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts of $25,000 or more, and stewarding major donors to NEC.

Achieve annual and campaign development goals. In collaboration with Prospect Management and Research, build, develop and manage a portfolio of up to 175 major gift prospects, with a goal of having 20 or more prospects in the solicitation phase of the donor cycle at any given time.

Annually execute at least 125 face-to-face visits and present 15+ proposals, with an expectation of escalating philanthropic goals.

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts from individual donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations, maintaining a portfolio of prospects and actively managing relationships.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including donor recognition events, alumni gatherings, and cultivation activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with college stakeholders, including faculty, staff, volunteers, and alumni, to foster a culture of philanthropy and engagement.
• Research potential funding sources and stay informed about industry trends and best practices in development and fundraising.
• Prepare compelling fundraising proposals, reports, and donor correspondence to effectively communicate the impact of philanthropic investments.
• Collaborate with college departments and academic units to identify fundraising opportunities, develop cases for support, and ensure alignment with donor interests.
• Utilize donor management software and databases to track and manage donor interactions, gifts, and pledges.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and campus partners in the development of fundraising materials, including brochures, newsletters, and online content, to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.
• Use data and performance metrics to plan and execute strategies; ensures accurate records of activities and prospect management and monitors, evaluates, and reports on progress and outcomes obtained against agreed upon goals.
• Responsible for responding to leadership / major gift leads for follow up.

Required Qualifications Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

• Proven experience in fundraising, development, or related fields, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate the mission and goals of NEC to various audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Understanding of ethical considerations and confidentiality related to donor relations.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a strong commitment to achieving fundraising goals.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Skills and Knowledge

• Must have the ability to understand the needs and interests of major gift donors in order to develop and strengthen relationships.
• Capital campaign experience helpful.
• Must have MS Office proficiency and CRM donor database experience.
• Must be able to display verbal and written communication skills that meet the requirements of the position and needs of clients, vendors and community liaisons.

Preferred Qualifications EEO Statement

New England College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran’s status or disability in regard to treatment, access to or employment in its programs and activities, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities needing accommodation should contact the ADA Compliance Officer.

New England College is committed to providing equal opportunity in all conditions of employment and creating a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates diversity.

If an imbalance is found to exist, the College will make good faith efforts to recruit, hire and promote persons underrepresented in the workplace.