Bard College at Simon's Rock

Annual Giving Manager

Apply Here: https://apply.interfolio.com/146913

Our Institution: Founded in 1860, Bard College is an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. A division of Bard located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon’s Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA+.
 
For over 50 years, Simon’s Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon’s Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon’s Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon’s Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into “what’s next” in Early College. In 2023, Simon’s Rock launched the Bard Queer Leadership Project, a B.A. degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA+ college students, aiming to elevate LGBTQIA+ college graduates into leadership roles in fields across the workforce.
 
The Role: The Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) plays a vital role in the long-term well-being of Bard College at Simon’s Rock and provides essential services and engagement opportunities to the College’s alumni, parents, and other stakeholders. Most crucially, it serves as the central resource for alumni and parent giving, as well as other forms of philanthropic support for the College. IA is responsible for securing resources for the Fund for Simon’s Rock, the Simon’s Rock endowment, corporate and foundation support, and estate planning from individual donors. The Annual Giving Manager plays an essential role in the IA team as the (operational) lead for annual giving and closely related activities. Working in close collaboration with the Director and Associate Director of IA, as well as other senior leaders, the Manager helps guide the operational strategy and logistical elements of online giving, direct mail, and all forms of targeted giving through email and other platforms. Additionally, the Manager will lend essential support to the planning and execution of alumni and parent focused events and will contribute directly to the team’s communication efforts through existing and future platforms.
 
Key Responsibilities of this role include:

• In close coordination with the Associate Director of IA and other senior leaders as needed, oversee and guide annual giving efforts through direct mail, targeted email, and other forms of solicitation
• Liaise with other departments, notably Marketing & Communications, Business Office, and Academic Affairs in support of the Fund for Simon’s Rock and related philanthropic priorities
• As directed and needed, collaborate on and help guide strategic event planning in support of annual and longer-term philanthropic priorities
• Provide content and editorial support for IA communication platforms, including but not limited to News at Simon’s Rock and regular newsletter
• Manage a portfolio of 50-100 individual donors with a focus on retaining and enhancing support from each
• In collaboration with IA team and others, identify new strategies for donor engagement and retention
• Guide internal fundraising efforts among faculty, staff, and students

 
Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years in advancement, preferably in higher education
• Strong knowledge and comfort with CRM’s
• Adaptability to complex work environments
• Ability to troubleshoot and utilize reasonable judgment in complex and confidential situations
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills

This position is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible position. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Simon’s Rock is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from those who contribute to our diversity, as the values of equity and inclusion are core to our institutional mission. AA/EOE.

Applicants should submit cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references through Interfolio.com at: https://apply.interfolio.com/146913. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

AA/EOE