Job Summary

The Associate Director of Development (Associate Director) works in partnership with the Foundation’s Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy to maximize financial gift support to Sierra College to increase the margin of excellence for educational programs and services. The incumbent stewards, renews, and upgrades support from the College’s donors while steadily identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new support from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The incumbent manages existing donor relationships, providing exceptional service and ensuring their long-term collaboration with the Foundation.

The Associate Director supports the Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer to plan and implement development efforts as the Foundation continues to grow. The incumbent must understand current philanthropic best practices and have an interest in public relations activities through regular contact with individuals, foundations, and corporations to maintain these relationships. The Associate Director will plan, organize, and implement advancement practices that effectively encourage and engage internal and external support of Sierra College. The Associate Director will implement the philosophy and policies of the District and ensure that the Foundation strives to achieve the College’s mission, vision, and institutional goals.


Essential Functions and Qualifications

Essential Functions

• Plan, manage, and implement select fundraising strategies for fundraising efforts and specific projects and/or philanthropic programs, including annual giving follow up
• Coordinate and make philanthropic asks of current and potential supporters of the College
• Collaborate with Foundation staff on publications, direct mail promotions, and other materials needed for fundraising activities and marketing efforts
• Develop and foster relationships with donor prospects and corporate partners.
• Implement stewardship and cultivation strategies focused on growing relationships with existing and prospective donors
• Assist with the development of and execution of donor recognition events
• Collaborate with Foundation staff on donor-related communications
• Draft and prepare proposals for the solicitation of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects and sponsorship applications
• Analyze and evaluate prospect and donor data to generate targeted lists and recommend strategic next steps
• Develop and implement prospect research and cultivation strategies and activities, evaluating and recommending appropriate next steps
• Attend College functions as the representative of the Foundation
• Work with Foundation staff in the maintenance of donor and prospect records and mailing lists for programs related to fundraising strategies and campaigns
• Compile, analyze, and report statistical and financial data
• Represent the College on committees and/or in partnership collaboratives in community, governmental, and professional organizations as appropriate
• Interpret and apply rules, regulations, and District policies
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of successful fundraising experience
• Demonstrated background in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and objectives; track record of closing gifts
• Strong track record with prospect research, outreach, and donor stewardship
• Experience with donor gift programs, clubs, or recognition groups
• Experience planning and implementing donor cultivation and stewardship events

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, stewardship, donor relations, and understanding of public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of donors in order to develop relationships between them and the college.
• Skills to meet and drive to exceed fundraising goals and objectives.
• Working knowledge of direct mail, email, social media, and other techniques and strategies of giving campaigns
• Stellar interpersonal skills with a focus on initiating, building, and nurturing relationships with prospects and donors
• Understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students
• Interest in all aspects of higher education and a desire to promote the College’s fundraising priorities
• Excellent MS Office skills and knowledge of donor database systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge a plus
• Tactful, diplomatic, and uses discretion with confidential information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven ability to create briefing materials and key talking points
• High level of energy, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a good sense of humor
• A self-confident team member who readily takes initiative, is resourceful in identifying and seizing opportunities and solving problems, and possesses a positive, collaborative work style
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends when necessary

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $75K-$90K depending on background and experience, plus excellent benefits including vacation and sick leave, cafeteria plan offering medical and 401k options, and 17 campus holidays.


Application Procedure

Please submit a resume and cover letter to foundation@sierracollege.edu. Applicant screening will be ongoing until the position is filled.


About the College

With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for community college transfers to 4-year universities. The college serves over 25,000 students across 4 campuses in Rocklin (main), Roseville, Truckee, and Grass Valley. Students can choose from a wide range of Associate degrees and certificates, online classes, community education, and Osher Life Long Learning classes. The College has taken a leadership role in higher education in Placer County. Partnering with public and private four-year universities, Sierra College offers innovative programs directly related to student success. Partnerships with private industry have positioned Sierra as the workforce engine in our community. With the projected growth in Placer County, more than ever, Sierra will play a leadership role in higher education and workforce development.


About the Community

Located in south Placer County, Rocklin is characterized by rolling hills with 360-degree panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the northeast and the Sutter-Butte mountain range to the west. Rocklin is a preferred location to live and work because of its convenient location, high quality of life, excellent schools, and abundant nearby recreational opportunities. It is within 20 minutes of Folsom Lake, 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento, and less than 2 hours from Lake Tahoe, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco. With a current population of approximately 60,000, Rocklin has been one of the fastest growing cities in California. In 2008, Family Circle magazine named Rocklin one of the “10 Best Towns” for families in America (it was the only California city on the list).