Scholarships and Donor Relations Specialist

Scholarships and Donor Relations Specialist

Employer

Gaston College
201 Highway U.S. 321
Dallas, NC 28034
Phone: 704-922-6200

Job Location

Dallas, NC

Salary/Grade

$47,320.00 Annually

Benefits

yes

Job Category

  • Technical/Paraprofessional

Application Period

Opens: Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Closes: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Target Start Date

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Expected Work Hours

Full time

Employment Type

Full time

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a nationally accredited institution required.  

 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience, five (5) years preferred in a non-profit setting. 
  • Proven Experience securing gifts and sponsorships in a non-profit setting in the range of $150,000 to $300,000 per year
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required.
  • Strong critical/analytical thinking and decision-making skills required.
  • Exceptional customer service skills required.
  • Ability to build and nurture effective working relationships required
  • Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity required.
  • Ability to work with a high degree of independence, enthusiasm, and self-motivation
  • Excellent time management skills required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.
  • Working knowledge of The Raiser's Edge or other similar CRM system preferred.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the business, nonprofit, and philanthropic community in the Gaston College service area required
  • CFRE preferred.  Must be willing to obtain CFRE within one year of employment. 

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods. 
  • Some walking, standing, and bending required, and the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds required. 
  • Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
  • In addition to regular office hours, position sometimes requires overtime and/or evening hours. 

Preferred Qualifications

n/a

Position Description

SUMMARY

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - Review of applications will begin 10/15/21

The Scholarships and Donor Relation Specialist is a relationship-oriented professional that is responsible for supporting the Chief Development Officer/Executive Director- Gaston College Foundation in the delivery of the Foundation's overall fundraising program by managing the Foundation's scholarship and donor relations strategy.  The position will efficiently manage a portfolio of scholarship funds while playing an integral role in cultivating, soliciting, and securing contributions to the Foundation to achieve the mission and strategic vision of Gaston College.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scholarship Management

  1. Support the Foundation through the implementation, coordination, direction, and management of the Foundation's scholarship funds, including preparation of new scholarship agreements, regular maintenance and monitoring of existing scholarship agreements, and maintaining professional communication with donors, Gaston College Financial Aid office, and students. 
  2. Maintain a thorough understanding of the Gaston College Foundation scholarship process and identify areas to improve efficiency.
  3. In collaboration with appropriate leadership, develop and implement processes and procedures for scholarship use, tracking, and reporting.
  4. Develop and implement system for acknowledging and thanking donors through various mediums of communication.
  5. Manage and update the Scholarship data system and ensure that scholarship award criteria are in congruence with donor agreements.  
  6. Oversee the Foundation staff in maintaining a scholarship pledge reminder schedule as well as process routine reports to donors.
  7. Ensure that scholarship agreements are compliant with financial aid and IRS charitable regulations.
  8. Provide regular reports and updates to development and financial aid staff to ensure ongoing communication for success.

 
Donor Relations 

  1. Using best practices, support the implementation of a fundraising strategy to meet the annual financial goals of the Gaston College Foundation. 
  2. Analyze and synthesize information to assess financial capacity and philanthropic interests of donors.
  3. Develop and Oversee comprehensive, multi-channel solicitation schedule including mail, email, and social media.
  4. Provide a high level of donor stewardship and cultivation by thanking mid-level and new donors. 
  5. Identify key donor segments and implement strategies to increase engagement; analyze patters and effectiveness. 
  6. Assist the Foundation in database hygiene and tracking efforts and other research activities to channel and steward prospects. 
  7. Draft and personalize acknowledgment letters
  8. Coordinate with appropriate College staff in generating print and online marketing materials.
  9. Oversee donor recognition efforts. 
  10. Support gift entry, as needed, during peak giving.  

 
General: 

  1. Maintain a high standard of professional and ethical practices in representing the College, Development Office, and GC Foundation; maintain confidentiality of donor information and records; demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the field with continued adherence to professional accountability; provide a high level of service to customers by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships; accept responsibility for managing situations and problems; work cooperatively with team members and colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of team and College objectives; and adhere to the College’s policies, procedures, and other established guidelines.
  2. Perform other duties as assigned, including special projects.

Job Post Contact

Maelle Keener