Assistant/Associate Director, Individual Giving

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Swarthmore College seeks an enterprising and inquisitive individual to join a highly collaborative and motivated team of development and alumni relations professionals and manage the donor giving journey through the gift cycle—from identification through to gift closure.  This position becomes available at a pivotal time in Swarthmore’s history, as it launches an ambitious $100M campaign to construct a new athletic center and seeks to implement Swarthmore Forward, a strategic plan that emphasizes holistic development of the student, integrating advising and academic excellence with opportunities for personal growth, recreation, civic engagement, and joy.  Funds generated from the development team will enable Swarthmore to realize its mission to foster innovative research and creative production; create opportunities for education and growth among faculty, students, and alumni; and build a diverse, equitable and inclusive community that enriches experiences and broadens perspectives. 

The assistant/associate director will manage up to 150 prospects capable of making gifts of $100K+ and inspire them to new levels of philanthropic support; collaborate with colleagues across advancement and the College to engage potential donors; and utilize data and research to identify prospects, develop meaningful cultivation plans, and formulate effective solicitation strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of success securing philanthropic gifts in support of a non-profit organization; the ability to collaborate with colleagues to advance the mission of an institution; and exemplary interpersonal, community-building, and communications skills as well as a high degree of comfort and cultural sensitivity engaging and inspiring prospects and donors. 

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 1-3 years working in institutional advancement or equivalent professional experience for the Assistant Director level.
• Minimum of 3-5 years working in institutional advancement or equivalent professional experience for the Associate Director level.
• Exceptional communication skills with special emphasis on ability to connect and engage with a broad constituency in both written and oral communications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with prospective donors and College administrators and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Mature judgment and the ability to act independently to plan and accomplish goals.
• Strong organizational skills, and in particular, the abilities to manage multiple projects, pay close attention to detail, and remain focused and effective while traveling.
• Strong skill in dealing with people, using tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Strong customer service skills.
• Strong skill in articulating the value of higher education.
• Ability to use a variety of computer applications, including demonstrated skills in the use of word processing and spreadsheets (e.g.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs and Sheets), and fundraising databases and reporting software.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks involving many stakeholders, and meet deadlines in a time-constrained environment.
• Ability to initiate and complete tasks with minimal supervision, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.

Swarthmore College has retained John Solmonese, president of Solmonese Search Partners, to conduct the search.  All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent to him at:  jsolmonese@gmail.com. 

Swarthmore is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.