Job Number: R0005803
At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education
to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative
community, comprising faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by
our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence,
uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as
crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower
individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom
in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!
When applying for the position, please ensure a thorough review of the job
details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
letter for upload. Acceptable formats for these documents are either PDF
(.pdf) or Word (.doc).
Job Description
As a pivotal member of the Development team, this position will provide critical analytic, project management, and strategic writing support. The Associate will operate independently and as an integral member of both the frontline fundraising team and wider cross-functional teams, while taking on diverse assigned tasks and projects as a partner in building and advancing donor relationships. A key aspect of the position is the Associate's role as Development's liaison to the President's Office.
Reports to the Senior Director of Individual Giving and also works closely with the Associate Vice President of Development to facilitate the management and growth of Development activity with respect to principal gift prospects. The Associate will be responsible for formulating and integrating processes that streamline and elevate the activities of College staff, officers, and volunteers working with these prospects while working to ensure consistent progress of prospect strategies and larger fundraising plans. The Associate will work with the frontline fundraising team to coordinate new and innovative approaches aimed at engaging and cultivating individuals and families. Overall, the Associate will ensure that the efforts of the team are being optimally supported and directed across the Development office and the College to advance the institution's priorities and associated fundraising.
Position Responsibility:
President's Office Communication and Coordination
Serve as the point person and key Development liaison with the President's Office staff for collaborative efforts related to principal gift prospect engagement.
Communicate regularly with the College President's Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant, both in weekly meetings and over email, g-chat, and other asynchronous communications, to ensure timely and seamless execution of prospect strategy and presidential Development travel and meetings.
Serve as the project manager for Development Presidential travel, collaborating with Prospect Managers, Events, and the President's Office staff to proactively develop, coordinate, assist in the planning of, and execute strategic engagement of prospects. Coordinate the timely delivery of all briefings and other trip and meeting materials; ensure clear communication among all stakeholders; create and maintain internal tracking and planning documents and templates.
Develop executive summaries for the College President in advance of all Development travel. Attend and prepare Development staff for pre-travel strategy meetings with the President.
Ensure regular communication to the Frontline Fundraising team of updates pertaining to the intersection of activity of the Development and President's Offices.
Assist the Associate Vice President for Development and Events colleagues in the management of the President's Advisory Council and related meetings and programming.
Strategic Principal Gifts Support
Work closely with prospect managers as they engage top donors, developing familiarity with their portfolios and work plans.
Support ongoing efforts and play a key role in supporting the development of new strategies to cultivate new and distant prospects, including proactive exploration of opportunities to advance donor interests in the institution and its priorities.
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of team and individual fundraiser priorities, needs, and questions, ensuring that these matters are communicated to the Associate Vice President and Senior Director of Individual Giving in a clear and timely manner when needed. Proactively propose solutions and process improvements.
Write, edit, and proofread talking points for donor meetings, briefings, proposals, and other communications, ensuring that donor documents meet the highest standards of writing and reflect the College's top priorities.
Assist the Associate Vice President for Development and Senior Director of Individual Giving in the preparation of written reports and fundraising strategies for the Board of Trustees, President, and other Senior Leadership, compiling and summarizing both qualitative and quantitative information.
Leverage best practices and integrate protocols and data analysis into the overall efforts and planning of the principal gifts team.
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of Wellesley Development's database, Affinaquest, as pertains to frontline fundraiser workflow. Run and format existing reports as needed.
Periodically collaborate with Development Operations and Library and Technology Services on projects to optimize Affinaquest and other data tools for frontline fundraiser use.
Assist in timely and accurate preparation for donor and prospect visits. Travel as needed to set up and support special programs and events for high-level donors and prospects.
Cross-Department Collaboration
Serve as the point person and key liaison for collaborative efforts related to prospects, working with Prospect Research, Donor Relations, and Events, among others.
Coordinate content for a weekly, cross-functional frontline fundraising meeting with department partners in Events, Donor Relations, Marketing, Research, and Analytics to ensure clear, effective, and timely communication.
Forge and maintain effective partnerships with key campus partners outside of Development to ensure optimal collaboration and results from cross-functional activity.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Education Required
Experience Required
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
Strong communicator (both verbally and in writing)
Ability to oversee and coordinate multiple projects
High tolerance for ambiguity and changing priorities
Ability to successfully manage a high-volume workload and competing priorities
Demonstrated attention to detail and highly organized
Highest level of discretion in working with confidential information
Team player yet able to work independently with minimal supervision
A creative and entrepreneurial spirit and strong negotiation skills
Ability to apply the guiding principles of fundraising
Commitment to fostering respectful communication and collaboration within a diverse community
Some evening and weekend work required
Familiarity with principal gifts fundraising a plus.
Company Description:
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.
Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.
Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!
Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.
