Planned Giving Fellow

POSITION BACKGROUND

The Norfolk State University Foundation seeks an individual interested in higher education fundraising to participate in a year-long job training and professional development program intended to launch frontline fundraising careers at the Norfolk State University. Program participants will hold the title of Planned Giving Fellow and will be full-time employees of the Norfolk State University Foundation. Salary and benefits will be provided during the duration of the program.

The Planned Giving Fellow will participate in a series of rotational assignments at the Foundation. In addition, they will attend the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Graduate Trainee Program, which connects participants across the nation and provides a full year of online education, mentorship, conversations with advancement leaders, and conference experiences.

The Planned Giving Fellow will gain skills and direct experience in building relationships with prospective donors, soliciting major gifts (gifts of over $25,000), and thanking and engaging with our donors to strengthen their connection with the Norfolk State University Foundation. They will also learn about other components of the Norfolk State University Foundation and the Division of University Advancement partnership, including annual giving, marketing and communication, alumni relations, and advancement services. The Planned Giving Fellow will be located primarily in Norfolk, Virginia, with some out-of-state travel.

The Planned Giving Fellow with the Norfolk State University Foundation works directly with the Foundation Executive Director in partnership with the Division of University Advancement at Norfolk State University. This position is responsible for developing and managing all activities related to the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned giving donors, ensuring these donors are inspired by the Norfolk State University Foundation and Norfolk State University’s mission.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION

Fundraising

· Directs efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward potential major and planned donors. Create individual goals and communication plans for each person on his/her caseload based on the donor’s history of giving and the organization’s knowledge of that donor’s potential.

• Designs and coordinates targeted calls, in-person visits, fundraising activities, and events for prospective and current major donors, and for cultivation and recognition of current major donors and committed planned giving donors.

· Responsible for oversight of Norfolk State’s planned giving program, including promotion of planned giving opportunities and solicitation and cultivation of prospective and current planned giving donors.

Qualifications

· Possession of a bachelor’s degree; master’s degree is highly desirable.

· Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills with the ability to represent Norfolk State University Foundation’s mission and interests to a diverse group of people.

· Excellent user of office technology and information systems (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint) and donor databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge. Familiarity with a “moves management” donor tracking system.

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work successfully in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of attention to detail and minimum supervision.

Work environment

· Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

· Regularly sits at a desk or computer workstation.

· Occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

· Remote-friendly work environment

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Fundraising: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Norfolk, VA 23504 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Norfolk, VA 23504: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Norfolk, VA 23504