Assistant Director of Advancement for the Arts - Torggler Center

Christopher Newport University, United States

Updated: about 16 hours ago
Location: Newport News, VIRGINIA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Working Title Assistant Director of Advancement for the Arts - Torggler Center
Position Number FA502
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type Full Time
Sensitive Position No
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history Check.
Campus Security Authority No
Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel No
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position may require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position No
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.
Chief Objective of Position
In support of the Executive Director of Advancement for the Arts, serve as the tactical gift officer for all Torggler Patrons. Primary responsibility for this position is to efficiently deliver quality and innovative annual membership programs, services, and activities designed to solicit new donors and retain members at an optimum level and meet annual revenue projections. This position will have their own portfolio of prospects and assist with meeting overall fundraising goals for Benefactors and Torggler sponsors. This includes cultivation, stewardship of donors, major gifts support, annual fund programs and sponsorship. Manages and participates in special events, trips and other special programs for donors. Implements strategies for communicating with arts donors including brochures, newsletters, appeals, web, social media and email. Develops new and creative ways to broaden the donor base. This position also provides overall support for reaching the goals of the advancement office including comprehensive gifts to a variety of arts programs.
Work Tasks
  • Assists the Executive Director as needed, especially coordinating meetings with existing and potential donors, including participating in direct solicitation calls to potential donors.
  • Manage a Prospect Portfolio
  • Serve as the customer service liaison for the Patrons of the Arts and Benefactor Society donors by providing exceptional service, coordinating all benefits, special needs and requests.
  • Solicits renewals of current members through mailings and email appeals, and direct contact with donors with in-person or on the phone.
  • Responds to member concerns and requests in a timely and professional manner
  • Utilizes a tracking system to ensure patrons receive their benefits
  • Serve as the first point of contact for Torggler patrons when they arrive at special events.
  • Assist with supporting a consolidated program of identification/discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of gifts prospects, annual and corporate giving for Patrons of the Arts and Benefactor Society.
  • Work with team to develop innovative methods/programs by which to solicit and retain members.
  • Prepare fundraising appeals, sponsorship proposals and pledge forms.
  • Processes donations
  • Input contact reports in Slate and utilize system to pull reports.
  • Ensures Torggler mailing and email list are kept current
  • Process all thank you letters for all Torggler donors
  • Create email messages for donors
  • Prepare reports for Patrons of the Arts: donors by level, corporate sponsorship, grants, in-kind donations.
  • Maintain sufficient supplies of membership materials, cards, and collateral so that processing of memberships proceeds unimpeded.
  • Assist with preparation of all donor communication:
    • Email messages
    • Creates TNews newsletter for Patrons (three times a year)
    • Creates Bi-Monthly Calendar of Events of Patrons
    • Appeals

  • Coordinate with Torggler staff to communicate to non-donor friends of the Torggler.
  • Represents the Center when necessary at community events.
  • Sells memberships on-site and off-site when deemed necessary.
  • Assists the Executive Director of Advancement for the Arts with routine correspondence, coordinating meetings, filing, and office duties as assigned.
  • Assists with Patrons of the Arts events and activities to enhance program
  • Coordinate Patron events by working closing with the events team
  • Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
  • Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
  • Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absences
  • Support overall arts advancement as needed.
  • Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
  • Knowledge of fundraising for a fine arts center.
  • Knowledge of creating donor programs, renewals and stewardship of those donors.
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including late nights and weekends depending on event schedule and related deadlines.
  • Ability to manage and work effectively with people; coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously; solve problems and make decisions.
  • Must have good public relations and organizational skills.
Required Education
Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree or experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations or a related field.
Experience Required
  • Experience in fundraising for a fine arts center that includes individual and corporate giving. Demonstrated experience with databases i.e Slate, email communication platform – MailChiimp, spreadsheets or word processing software
  • Experience in managing high-level projects.
  • Experience in managing multiple tasks/priorities concurrently.
Additional Consideration - Experience
  • Experience with leading and developing fundraising campaigns.
  • Minimum of four years experience in fundraising for a fine arts center.
  • Experience in creating donor programs, renewals and stewardship of those donors.
  • Experience soliciting corporate partners.
  • Experience in event planning.
Salary Information Starting at $55,160, commensurate with education and experience.
CNU Information
Selected by The Princeton Review to be included in the 388 Best Colleges: 2023 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 4,500 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide as the #1 public regional university in Virginia and #3 in the South. The campus, convenient to neighborhoods, parks and the James River, features stunning public art and grounds and classical architecture.
Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu .

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number AP334P
Number of Vacancies 1 or more
Posting Date 04/16/2024
Review Begin Date 04/23/2024
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by April 23, 2024.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/17289
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

Christopher Newport University and its employees demonstrate a positive and professional attitude. Practices inclusive leadership and treats everyone with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, as well as fully support the “Students First” value.

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