The Assistant Director, Digital Engagement, under the guidance of the Senior Director of Digital Philanthropy and Annual Giving, plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships within the Pepperdine alumni, parent, and donor community. This role primarily focuses on prospecting and engaging potential major gift donors. By leveraging advanced donor management systems and collaborating with various teams, the Assistant Director will contribute to the achievement of the University's advancement goals by building a strong pipeline development system.

Duties

• Prospecting & Engagement:
  • Conduct proactive research to identify potential major gift donors and build qualified pipelines.
  • Collaborate with the Major Giving team to create and execute donor-centric engagement plans.
  • Communicate compelling stories about the impact of annual philanthropic support to prospects and stakeholders.
  • Orchestrate cultivation touchpoints (events, briefings, updates) that advance prospects toward readiness to be solicited. 
• Solicitation Strategy & Execution:
  • Develop personalized solicitation strategies (ask amount, timing, stewardship).
  • Lead and support solicitation meetings, proposal development, and follow-through to close.
  • Coordinate post-gift handoff with stewardship for recognition and retention.
  • Track and report on solicitation activity, pipeline movement, and outcomes. 
• Campaign Management:
  • Assist in coordinating and managing giving day campaigns, such as Pepperdine Gives and Waves Give days.
  • Collaborate with vendors and oversee crowdfunding page editing to optimize campaign outcomes and strategic projects that will boost engagement with key alumni groups.
  • Maintain and enhance data accuracy and integrity in the Advancement CRM system. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Uphold University mission through work performed. 

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree (business or related field preferred).
• 1-2 years of experience in prospect research and major gift solicitation in an advancement or fundraising office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships.
• Proficiency in time management, project organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience with continual improvement project management.
• Proficiency with Google Office Suite.
• Experience with donor databases, preferably Raiser's Edge and Vanilla Soft.
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable to evolving environments.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position that may be eligible for remote or hybrid work in accordance with the University Policy Manual.

Expected Pay Range: $28.12 - $31.25 per hour 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.