Suffolk seeks to engage our many constituents to enrich their lifelong relationships with the university. Constituents, or affinity groups, may include individuals whose connection with Suffolk has been made particularly meaningful by a shared experience, club, team, major, program, family relationship or identity, or other cohort experience.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Campaign Strategy and Corporate and Foundation Relations, and working in close collaboration with Advancement Engagement and Alumni Relations, the Director, Constituent Philanthropy will ensure these key members of the Suffolk community are fully engaged with the University. The Director is an important member of the Division of Advancement, and will be responsible for outreach and for working collaboratively with partner offices in the University to a) establish structures for constituents/cohorts to support the University philanthropically, b) re-engage constituent groups who are no longer active with Suffolk, and to c) establish strong family connections with the University
Specifically, the Director will
Work alongside colleagues across the Division, particularly gift officers and Alumni Relations, to develop and implement a comprehensive cohort engagement and philanthropy strategy.
Partner with other internal units to identify and facilitate opportunities for constituents/cohorts to support the university's key priorities and fundraising goals.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward groups of constituent/cohort donors and develop and execute a strategy to seek constituency or collective gifts that exceed $50,000/cohort.
Collaborate with the Senior Director, Advancement Marketing and Communications, on the development of constituent/cohort communications strategy and implementation, as well as on video projects, as needed.
Oversee an Assistant Director, Constituent Philanthropy, who will assist with all aspects of constituency engagement and philanthropy activities.
Review benchmarks for success and establish a Parent & Family Council or similar entity to establish a volunteer network that assists with the cultivation and solicitation of families.
Partner effectively within Advancement and across the University to ensure philanthropy remains the priority and other needs of cohort groups are addressed by others, as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
The successful Director will be a creative and innovative leader who will foster a culture of belonging that embraces constituent groups. Working in collaboration with other Advancement team members, this role will plan and execute communications plans; lead volunteer mobilization efforts; plan, lead, and execute programs and events; and work with key contacts to launch philanthropic efforts with affinity groups with the overall goal of supporting Suffolk University goals and objectives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
Experience (typically 5+ years) managing and developing relationships with constituents, clients, or customers, in a for-profit or nonprofit setting
Understanding of philanthropy in higher education and its impact on the future of higher education
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, effectively and discreetly with donors, colleagues, and a diverse constituent base.
Strong business acumen with the ability to work effectively in a metrics-driven environment
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
Familiarity with the donor giving cycle of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Strong organizational skills, an entrepreneurial vision, independence and the ability to work effectively and successfully in a team environment to achieve institutional goals in accordance with established deadlines
Demonstrated strong writing, planning, and organizational skills
