Warren Wilson College seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Philanthropy Manager & Board Liaison to support the College's fundraising efforts and strengthen engagement with the Board of Trustees. This role will focus on managing donor relations, coordinating philanthropy operations, and serving as the staff liaison between the College administration and the Board. The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education, excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of fundraising best practices and the ability to engage in multiple tasks simultaneously. This position may work occasional weekend and evening hours to support college events.
Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the College and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes their prior experience working with individuals from a diverse range of identities and experiences.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, June 15, 2025. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware that no relocation assistance is available for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- 2 years experience managing projects, programs and/or events, and administrative support.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Evidence of abilities to work independently on multiple tasks, self-motivated, set objectives and meet deadlines.
- Evidence of effective writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate with people from a diverse range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous professional Board experience.
- Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising database experience.
Key Responsibilities
Philanthropy and Donor Engagement
- Support donor stewardship activities, ensuring timely acknowledgment and recognition of gifts.
- Manage the event production of all alumni and donor events under the guidance and support of the Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement.
- Conduct donor research, prepare briefings for leadership, and track cultivation efforts.
- Support fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving efforts.
- Collaborate with the Advancement team to develop compelling donor communications.
Board Liaison Duties
- Serve as the point of contact for the Board of Trustees, ensuring clear and timely communication.
- Under the supervision of the VP for Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Strategic Communications, organize and coordinate Board meetings, including scheduling, logistics, agenda preparation, and materials distribution.
- Maintain Board records, meeting minutes, and governance documents.
- Support Board committees as needed, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
- Facilitate Board member support of the College's philanthropic initiatives.
- Support any events or receptions occurring during the Board meetings.
Administrative Support and Strategic Support
- Support initiatives with Advancement staff to strategically build capacity across the department, including but not limited to database management, grants, and major gifts.
- Provide administrative support to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Strategic Communications as needed, including but not limited to calendaring support, credit card reconciliation, budget tracking, and more.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising policies and best practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Our mission: Warren Wilson College's distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.