Graduate Assistant, Development

The Graduate Assistant - Development will play a pivotal role in strengthening the connection between the university and its donors by engaging with alumni through various communication channels, predominantly via fundraising email platforms. This position focuses on cultivating relationships, communicating the impact of alumni contributions, acknowledging milestones, and identifying opportunities to steward alumni in a thoughtful manner. This role requires a highly organized, outgoing, and detail-oriented individual who will work closely with the Director of Development to enhance donor stewardship efforts.

Job Description

• Utilize fundraising platforms to manage and engage a portfolio of donors, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the alumni community. 

• Implement stewardship plans to ensure consistent and meaningful communication with alumni donors throughout the year, that typically includes sending personalized email communications that acknowledge their contributions, birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant milestones. 

• Update donor profiles with relevant information for personalized engagement.  

• Proactively identify opportunities to establish and strengthen connections with alumni, encouraging their ongoing engagement with the university.  

• Respond promptly to alumni inquiries and requests as needed, providing excellent customer service to enhance their connection to the university.  

• Other duties as assigned by Director of Development. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

Knowledge:  

• Bachelor's degree required. 

• Enrollment in a graduate program as a full-time student isrequired.  

• Knowledge of relationship-building best practices and ability to implement into daily routine.  

• Familiarity with fundraising and stewardship, and the role of University Advancement.  

Skills:  

• Outgoing, positive attitude and personable, with the ability to establish meaningful connections.  

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.  

• Familiarity with working with data records or CRM systems. 

• Ability to analyze data and provide insights to guide the development team in identifying and prioritizing giving opportunities and leadership gift potential. 

• Excellent written communication skills, particularly in email correspondence. 

Abilities:  

• Ability to manage a portfolio of donors through consistent engagement activities daily.  

• Ability to work independently in a team environment.  

• Ability to collaborate with the Development team to identify strategic stewardship opportunities and execute plans accordingly to attract contributions and support university initiatives.  

ENVIRONMENT:   

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess.   The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description. 

NOTICE: 

 
The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.  Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. 

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here:  Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period