Director, Constituent Philanthropy

Suffolk University Director, Constituent Philanthropy in Boston, Massachusetts

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 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:

1. Establish structures for constituents/cohorts to support the University philanthropically.
2. Re-engage constituent groups who are no longer active with Suffolk.
3. Establish strong family connections with the University.

Specifically, the Director will:

1. Work alongside colleagues across the Division, particularly gift officers and Alumni Relations, to develop and implement a comprehensive cohort engagement and philanthropy strategy.
2. Partner with other internal units to identify and facilitate opportunities for constituents/cohorts to support the university's key priorities and fundraising goals.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Oversee an Assistant Director, Constituent Philanthropy, who will assist with all aspects of constituency engagement and philanthropy activities.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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:

1. Experience (typically 5+ years) managing and developing relationships with constituents, clients, or customers, in a for-profit or nonprofit setting.
2. Understanding of philanthropy in higher education and its impact on the future of higher education.
3. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, effectively, and discreetly with donors, colleagues, and a diverse constituent base.
4. Strong business acumen with the ability to work effectively in a metrics-driven environment.
5. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
6. Familiarity with the donor giving cycle of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
7. 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.
8. Demonstrated strong writing, planning, and organizational skills.

Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service, and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.