Widener University Commonwealth Law School (WLC) seeks an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Director of Leadership Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement to join the University Advancement team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Annual Giving with an indirect reporting relationship to the Dean of WLC. This strategic new role is crucial for advancing the law school's mission. The Director will be an active member of the Widener University Advancement team, and the primary liaison to WLC responsible for executing strategies to increase philanthropic support, enhance alumni involvement, and strengthen relationships with WLC’s alumni base of 4,000 graduates. This position will be primarily located on the Harrisburg campus and will require some work on the Chester campus to support University-wide programming and special events. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Manage, cultivate and solicit a portfolio of assigned WLC prospects.
- Steward and thank WLC donors in partnership with central university stewardship, annual giving, advancement services teams.
- Implement fundraising strategies to meet annual and long-term strategic goals, with a focus on increasing leadership annual giving contributions ($1,000+) and building a pipeline of future major gift prospects.
- In collaboration with the University Advancement team, enhance alumni engagement through the planning and execution of events, programs, communications, and volunteer opportunities that align with WLC and university strategic priorities.
- Conduct discovery visits with alumni to identify enthusiastic WLC graduates interested in supporting the university as volunteers and/or donors.
- Assist the WLC Dean in the management of the WLC Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will partner with the Dean to develop the strategic vision for the Law School.
- Cultivate and manage the Alumni Board of Directors. with input from the Dean, and in concert with the Dean’s strategic initiatives
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, board members, WLC leadership, faculty and other key stakeholders to advocate for and represent strategic fundraising and engagement initiatives.
- Build partnerships with strategic Commonwealth Law entities including: the Office of the Dean, Admissions, Career Design and Development, and Student Success to pinpoint alumni volunteer opportunities and programmatic collaboration.
- Develop and manage communications to keep alumni informed about engagement opportunities as well as WLC strategic priorities and achievements.
Secondary responsibilities:
- As needed, support University-wide signature events including: Homecoming, Day of Giving, Commencement
- As required, attend University Advancement full staff meetings
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, higher education or a related field, with a proven track record of successful fundraising and/or increasing constituent engagement.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and management abilities, with experience leading teams and managing complex projects.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and inform decision-making.
- Proficient in the use of CRM systems and other fundraising tools and systems.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Valid Driver’s License and access to a car.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with proven execution
- Commitment to customer service
- Strong presentation skills
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Ability to travel
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
