Job Overview
The Philanthropy Programs Manager is responsible for managing and executing programs contributing to the success of the Wheaton Fund, the College's annual fund that supports Christ-centered faculty, transformative student programming, and affordability for every Wheaton student. The role manages reunion class giving, young alumni giving, student philanthropy, annual giving days, and Wheaton Fund educational programs. The Philanthropy Programs Manager reports to the Director of Annual and Reunion Giving.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manages Giving Day Programs: Develops and implements strategies for Giving Tuesday, Tuition Freedom Day, and primarily WheatonGives, an annual 24-hour fundraising event.
- Cultivates relationships with key campus partners to gain their support. Identifies, recruits, trains, and supports volunteers.
- Manages Giving Day website and collaborates with marketing specialist to develop a marketing plan and promotional materials.
- Launches and catalyzes lead-giving campaigns and donor stewardship in partnership with development officers.
- Manages logistics for digital and in-person engagement for philanthropy days.
- Manages Reunion Giving Programs: Executes a Reunion Giving fundraising strategy for special solicitation to reunion classes.
- Coordinates efforts and communications with Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement.
- Identifies, recruits, trains, and supports reunion giving chairpersons and volunteers, guiding and coordinating solicitation efforts and communicating about the fundraising process and progress toward fundraising goals.
- Attends reunion events during Homecoming and Alumni weekends.
- Manages Student & Young Alumni Philanthropy Programs: Develops and implements strategies to educate and excite current students and young alumni about the College’s fundraising effort and to cultivate long-term philanthropy.
- Develops and implements a 15-year strategy from early education as a prospective student to growth through the first 10 years as an alumnus/a.
- Plans and executes annual, segmented, omni-channel solicitation and non-solicitation campaigns and programs for graduates of the last decade.
- Recruits and leads Student Ambassadors to engage donors in the Wheaton Associates program and to plan and execute student philanthropy events.
- Supervises Senior Class Campaign Committee, guiding and supporting them in the process of promoting and raising funds for their class gift.
- Develops and manages educational events focused on generosity and philanthropy.
This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities. Specific assignments may vary, and other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Passion for the Wheaton College mission is required.
- Fundraising experience and alumni status strongly preferred, but not required.
- Events or programs management preferred.
- Demonstrates ability to manage volunteers.
- Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Professional presence with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Collaborative team player.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Physical Requirements
The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 40 pounds.
FLSA Status - Exempt
As a Christ-centered community, Wheaton College faculty and staff must affirm the College’s Statement of Faith as expressing their own theological convictions and agree to live by the moral standards in Wheaton’s Community Covenant, modeling these commitments for the Christian formation of our students. Wheaton College faculty and staff also support the Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment which highlights our desire to treat all individuals as equal image-bearers of Jesus Christ through diversity, inclusion, justice and unity.
Updated – February 2024
