Stewardship and Development Assistant

Overview

The Caine College of the Arts (CCA) Stewardship and Development Assistant (Development Research Assistant) works with the Senior Director of Advancement and the Dean to plan and implement the CCA development strategies, communications, and fundraising/donor relations/alumni engagement activities. This is a full-time position reporting to the Dean’s Assistant.

 

This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah. The successful candidate may request up to two days each week of remote work following a successful probationary period.

Responsibilities

50% Development support activities:

• Provide support to the Senior Director of Advancement, Dean, and others as requested, including: researching prospect data; gathering information; preparing communications and reports; doing research to provide appropriate background information; and preparing drafts of impact reports, proposals, gift agreements, correspondence, and other development-related materials. Draft/create materials regarding alumni and donor highlights for social media, newsletter, and website, working with CCA Marketing as necessary. Assist the Dean and Assistant to the Dean with CCA Advancement Council activities. In all efforts be watchful for any information that may be pertinent to potential future gifts or cultivation opportunities for the college.

25% Stewardship activities:

• Attend monthly Stewie Meetings with USU Advancement.
• Assist and research unawarded scholarships by following up with the Dean’s Office and/or department heads depending on where the scholarship is housed. Review and approve student thank you letters in Scholarship Universe prior to sending on to the donors.
• Maintain database to track stewarding activities, including thank you notes and donor acknowledgements. Prepare weekly gift reports. Prepare gift acknowledgements.  Assure stewarding and reporting deadlines are met. Work with CCA Business Services and USU Advancement Services offices to ensure gifts are deposited and receipted correctly, researching as necessary to resolve any discrepancies.  Prepare stewardship reports for foundations and donors as required.
• Build a rapport with donors making sure that they have that personal touch when attending events.
• Assist the Assistant to the Dean with the annual Awards Celebration and Donor Recognition event.
• Occasional after-hours and off-site work are required components of this position.

15% Annual Giving/Donor Communication:

• Draft and send annual giving fundraising letters, emails, social media posts, and other forms of communication to potential and existing donors. Write compelling messages, proofread, and ensure timely delivery, while coordinating efforts with the college and University Advancement. Conduct research to identify potential donors, including alumni, parents, and community members, who have a connection with or interest in supporting the arts. Assist in the cultivation and stewardship of annual donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.

10% Other duties as assigned:

• Assist with Dean’s Office support as necessary, including back-up receptionist duties, greeting guests to the college, and other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of related work experience; or an associate degree/technical training plus two years of related work experience is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• USU/CCA experience
• Familiarity with USU Advancement processes and databases
• Experience with organizing student groups and working with students
• Experience in and understanding and appreciation of the arts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled with computers and programs, including word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases and capacity to learn new programs and processes
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Proficient grammar, writing, and editing skills
• Knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques
• Ability to be discrete with sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to foster positive interpersonal relationships
• Ability to exercise independent initiative
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work donors, faculty, staff and students and as a selfless member of a team
• Ability to organize student groups
• Ability to organize events
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure in a fast-paced office environment
• Knowledge of University, State, and Fe