Associate Director, Operations & Student Engagement

ABOUT UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Georgia State University Advancement works to further Georgia State’s status as a national leader in student success, research and innovation, and cultural impact. By connecting with alumni, engaging donors, and increasing philanthropic support for students and scholars, we’re helping to transform lives and build our global community. The University Advancement Division furthers the university and its mission through several departments, including Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Georgia State University Foundation.

Georgia State Alumni Association 

Founded in 1929, the Georgia State Alumni Association provides programs and services to serve alumni and keep them in touch, informed, involved, and invested in their alma mater. With more than 285,000 graduates worldwide, the Alumni Association works to strengthen the bond between Georgia State and its alumni. Whether you live in the Atlanta area, the state of Georgia, or on the other side of the world, you’re always a Panther.

Annual Giving

The primary goal of the Annual Giving team is to work toward building a donor base that moves potential prospects into leadership gift levels through direct marketing, anniversary and recurring gift campaigns and targeted solicitation programs.

These are exciting times at the University Advancement. We are growing, and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to identify, cultivate, and steward donors.

Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it makes us a stronger team.

University Advancement is seeking (1) Associate Director, Operations & Student Engagement to join the already incredible team taking Georgia State University to the next level of excellence!

WHAT MAKES UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT A GREAT PLACE?

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.

• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with cross-campus and external partners

• Professional development opportunity and mentorship

• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the Associate Director of Operations & Student Engagement will oversee Annual Giving operations, serving as a point of contact to internal and external collaborators, ensuring execution of annual giving marketing and outreach projects using project management tools to track deadlines, responsibilities, and deliverables, as well as oversee the student engagement program.

Job Duties

Operations:

• Facilitate vendor management by soliciting quotes, setting up campaigns vendors and managing contract renewals.

• Maintain digital files and oversee Ascend database maintenance by updating campaigns and submitting relevant reports/updates to Advancement IT or Gifts & Records.

• Assist in creating/updating annual giving reports, presentations, dashboards etc.

   

Direct Marketing:

• Spearhead and manage segmentation strategy and planning.

• Proofread and format appeal content for accuracy and consistency across channels.

• Work closely with Assistant Director and IT to ensure timely delivery of data and campaign uploads in Ascend.

• Manage postproduction – submit invoices, download/disseminate proofs and reports, update CRM and statuses in project management software, etc.

Student Engagement:

• Develop annual engagement strategy, create a calendar of student-led initiatives, including peer-to-peer campaigns Georgia State Day, and plan and coordinate activities

• Recruit, train and provide day-to-day supervision of student assistants

• Design onboarding and training materials to ensure students understand fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and digital engagement tools.

• Set and track metrics, assess program impact on donor participation and revenue, and prepare reports and recommendations for improving student engagement strategies.

• Conduct regular check-ins and performance evaluations; offer professional development opportunities.

Other:

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary.  

• Individuals will also be required to work some nights and weekends, when necessary, travel (via plane, train, or car) at least 15%25 of the time within and outside of the state of Georgia. 

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of solicitation of gifts up to $25,000; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications:

• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility and attention to detail in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

• Experience in Annual Giving, Donor Relations, or Higher Education Fundraising, Direct Marketing, and/or Project Management.

• Experience recruiting, training, and supervising students in a higher education setting.

• Track record of successfully soliciting gifts up to $25,000.

• Experience using a fundraising CRM (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge/NXT, etc.).

• Experience using annual giving software (Double the Donation, ThankView, etc.).

• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and basic formula functions such as V-lookup.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $79,400 – $103,200. Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range.