CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ATTENTION:
The Division of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a University Relations Officer (Gift Officer I, AV013).
JOB DETAILS:
Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, and coordinating with the Vice Chancellor for University Relations, the University Relations Officer is a vital member of the University Relations team. The University Relations Officer has a multifaceted role and is responsible for a range of alumni engagement activities and annual solicitations targeting alumni and friends of UW-Whitewater. The primary objective is to increase alumni engagement and donor participation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key responsibilities include:
Under the general supervision of the Executive Director for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, the University Relations Officer position is liaison to various alumni affinity groups and campus departments. Priority work in the role builds a pipeline of potential volunteers and donors through alumni exploration, cultivation and stewardship.
- Partner with program teams throughout campus to understand the alumni engagement opportunities
- Coordinate, execute and document in-person, virtual and hybrid alumni events and activities with strategic engagement goals and objectives related to specific alumni affinity groups
- Track alumni involvement and assist with recruiting alumni to serve as guest speakers, panelists, mentors, capstone sponsors, advisory board members or other opportunities as needed
- Coordinate the Alumni Mentor Program
The University Relations Officer is responsible for actively engaging alumni and donors through strategic communication and outreach activities to develop and maintain lasting relationships with the University.
- Engage a portfolio of alumni and donors. Meet regularly and develop strong relationships. Connect prospects with appropriate leadership, faculty, programs and students aligned with the prospects' philanthropic interests and values
- In conjunction with the Digital Philanthropy Coordinator, manage an annual editorial calendar to include alumni-focused emails, marketing material and social media campaigns
The University Relations Officer is responsible for oversight and management of annual giving appeals, ensuring seamless operation and effectiveness. The University Relations Officer collaborates with teammates to identify matching challenge dollars, provide support, and develop strategic plans for any upcoming appeals.
- Lead and execute successful annual giving strategies with oversight of fundraising software and select mailed initiatives by actively collaborating with colleagues across the institution
- Develop and establish a comprehensive crowdfunding strategy, identify target audiences, assist the team, and ensure effective stewardship to enhance engagement and encourage long-term support
- Collaborate with the research team and database administrator to track and monitor critical data points, including overall donor participation, alumni engagement, retention rates, and attrition trends. Ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available for reporting purposes
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of $50,000. This position also qualifies to participate in the Foundation Incentive Program.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.