External Affairs Generic Job Summaries

The following guide outlines the basic functions and requirements of positions in the External Affairs job family, describes general job duties and outcomes, and provides education and experience requirements for each grade. Certain positions, however, may require additional specific education, certification or licensure, knowledge, ability or expertise in a specialty area.

• Editorial/Media Assistants and Specialists
• Public Relations Assistants and Specialists
• Development Assistants, Development Specialists, and Directors of Development
• Sample Performance Standards

Editorial/Media Assistants and Specialists

Editorial/Media Assistant – Grade 3

Position Summary

Coordinates and assists with routine periodical, journal and/or book publication projects, book acquisitions, and/or ebook processing initiatives. Writes preliminary descriptive copy, gathers and fact checks information, and shepherds titles or articles through review procedures. Processes contracts, reprint and illustration submissions, copyright protection, translation arrangements, and co-publication contracts. Edits copy, proofreads, and formats standard manuscripts. Prepares, coordinates and monitors in-house and/or vendor production schedules. Coordinates and processes the sale, purchase, and distribution of publications and epublications. May coordinate promotions and assist with the implementation of sales and marketing initiatives. Provides general data and summaries for reports and presentations and assists in conducting surveys. May track expenses, monitor budgets, purchase supplies, and investigate cost savings alternatives. Makes decisions or choices following standard practices and procedures. Completes work under direct supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work and/or within established work parameters for the unit. Work is usually reviewed upon completion. Performs professional work requiring general knowledge and basic application and use of concepts, theories, terminology, and practices of copyediting, proofreading, and print production.

Outcomes

• Accurate and timely preparation, editing, proofing, and distribution of periodicals, journals, books, and/or eliterature
• Effective organization, review, and submission of contracts, permissions, and protections
• Monitored vendor production schedules and deliverables, and resolution of issues
• Identified publication/distribution issues and opportunities
• Well-coordinated publication events
• Accurate and timely processing, compilation, and maintenance of  reports, data, and unit documents
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures and editorial standards

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communication, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates general knowledge, skill, and understanding of writing, formatting, copyediting, proofreading, print production, promotional advertising, organization, coordination, and/or facilitation. Also requires good communication skills and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

Editorial/Media Specialist II – Grade 4

Position Summary

Prepares publication schedules and plans; coordinates and facilitates the completion of periodical, journal, and/or book publication projects, book acquisitions, e-book processing, and/or other circulation/sales initiatives. Negotiates and processes reprint and illustration submissions, copyright protection, translation arrangements, and co-publication contracts within defined parameters. Facilitates review of manuscripts and completion of revisions with authors. Writes policy briefs, technical and non-technical manuals, fact sheets, and other standard descriptive copy. Gathers and fact checks information. Copyedits, proofreads, and formats feature, scholarly, and book manuscripts. Prepares and reviews illustrations, layout, design, and production of in-house and/or vendor print or web media. May draft non-routine copy. Leads and guides interns and volunteer writers, and coordinates assignments. Coordinates publicity.  Facilitates and processes the sale, purchase, and distribution of publications and epublications. Prepares and conducts surveys; and provides data, analysis, and reports.  Presents project proposals to supervisor and client departments. May monitor budgets and provide financial reports. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of writing and editing principles and practices, and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Accurate and timely acquisition editing, proofing, publishing, and distribution of periodicals, journals, books, and/or eliterature
• Effective organization, review, and submission of contracts, permissions, and protections
• Adherence to production schedules and deliverables. Resolution of issues
• Thematically designed and produced literature
• Effective solicitation, scheduling, and preparation of volunteers, interns, and staff
• Achievement of assigned sales/royalty/circulation targets
• Identified publication/distribution issues and opportunities
• Well-coordinated publication events
• Accurate and timely processing, compilation, and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Compliance with operational policies, procedures, and editorial standards

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communication, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge, skill, and understanding of writing, formatting, editing, proofreading, publishing, promotional advertising, organization, coordination, and/or facilitation. Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in an editorial function, good communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

Editorial/Media Specialist I – Grade 5

Position Summary

Executes editorial, pictorial, and graphic concepts and plans for periodical, journal, book/ebook projects, book acquisitions, websites, and/or other publishing or multimedia initiatives that are creative, thematic, and informative, and increase circulation/sales.  Builds industry relationships, identifies and evaluates promising proposals and manuscripts, explores key area/issues/services for potential features, and presents project proposals to supervisor a nd client departments. Solicits authors and negotiates contractual arrangements within defined parameters. Facilitates review of manuscripts and completion of revisions. Collaborates with authors and provides substantive editing of research studies, reports, proposals, manuscripts, and scholarly articles, for style, consistency, and clarity of message. Recommends, prepares, and reviews illustrations, layout, design, and production of in-house and/or vendor print, web, or multimedia productions. Interviews, researches, writes or otherwise creates original feature articles, text, graphic, audio, video, web-based, or other non-routine documents. Implements supporting procedures for unit staff, departments, and vendors. May code and test web pages for desired information, organization, or graphic effect. May coordinate and lead project teams. May oversee or manage an office or unit, as well as hire, train, and evaluate staff. May also provide oversight to other activities, prepare budgets, and provide financial reports. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of writing and editing principles and practices, and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Well-executed publication plan
• Effective acquisition, writing, editing, proofing, thematically designed, publications, and distribution of periodicals, journals, books, and/or eliterature and supporting technologies
• Identification of editorial and publication/distribution issues and opportunities
• Effective internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Increased circulation/sales/royalties
• Effective organization, review, and submission of contracts, permissions, and protections
• Achieved set production schedules and deliverables. Resolution of  issues
• Effective execution of thematic donor events
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Accurate and  timely evaluation and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures, editorial standards, and the university and unit’s written and graphic identities

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communication, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge, skill, and understanding of writing, formatting, editing, proofreading, publishing, promotional advertising, organization, coordination, and/or facilitation. Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in an editorial function, good communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

Sr. Editorial/Media Specialist– Grade 6

Position Summary

Collaborates on the overall editorial, pictorial, and graphic concepts and plans for periodical, journal, book/ebook projects, book acquisitions, web sites, and/or other publishing or multimedia initiatives. Works for a large or high profile department, school, institute, or center; high-level university clients; or multiple assigned functions that are creative, thematic, and informative, and increase circulation/sales. Determines supporting procedures to be followed by unit staff, departments, and vendors. Builds industry relationships, identifies and evaluates promising proposals and manuscripts, explores key area/issues/services for potential features, evaluates and determines appropriate acquisitions and/or articles to recommend, and presents project proposals to client departments and/or university administrators for approval. Provides editorial and acquisition expertise, and in-depth, subject specific advice to authors, university faculty, and administrators. Coordinates and leads project teams. Solicits authors, handles sensitive issues, and negotiates contractual arrangements within broadly defined parameters. Facilitates the manuscript review process. Collaborates with authors, oversees revision completion, and provides substantive editing of major research studies, reports, proposals, manuscripts, and scholarly articles for content, style, consistency, and clarity of message. Recommends or determines illustrations, layout, design, and production of in-house and/or vendor print, web, or multimedia productions. Interviews, researches, writes, or otherwise creates original feature articles and editorials, text, graphic, audio, video, web-based, or other complex non-routine documents. May code and test web pages for desired information, organization, or graphic effect. Actively negotiates costs/services and selects vendors. Constructs budgets; provides financial and other data, analysis, and reporting; manages expenditures and ensures outcomes are met within budget. May oversee or manage an office or unit, as well as hire, train, and evaluate staff. Completes work independently, with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of one or more fields of writing, editing, or publishing and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Well-designed and executed overall publications plan
• Increased circulation/sales/royalties
• Effective acquisition, writing, editing, proofing, thematic design, publishing, and distribution of periodicals, journals, books and/or eliterature, and supporting technologies
• Identification of editorial and publication/distribution issues and opportunities
• Effective execution of publication events
• Enhanced internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Accurate submission of contracts, permissions, and protections
• Achieved set production schedules and deliverables. Resolution of issues
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Accurate and timely analysis and maintenance of  reports, data, and unit documents
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures, editorial standards, and the university and unit’s written and graphic identities

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communication, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge, skill, and understanding of writing, formatting, editing, proofreading, publishing, promotional advertising, organization coordination, and/or facilitation. Also requires a minimum of five years relevant experience in an editorial function, excellent communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

 

Public Relations Assistants and Specialists

Public Relations Assistant – Grade 3

Position Summary

Coordinates, processes, and distributes routine informational brochures, mailings, and press releases, and assists with the implementation of marketing plans/publicity initiatives. Writes, edits, and proofreads standard copy; coordinates and monitors in-house and/or vendor production schedules. Assists with the writing, design, and production of non-routine promotional material. May coordinate and lead volunteers at promotions, press conferences, and similar events, and may assist with implementing sales and marketing initiatives. Provides general public relations research and summaries for reports and presentations, and assists in conducting surveys. May track expenses, monitor budgets, purchase supplies, or investigate cost savings alternatives. Makes decisions or choices following standard practices and procedures. Completes work under direct supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work and/or within established work parameters for the unit. Work is usually reviewed upon completion. Performs professional work requiring general knowledge and the basic application and use of concepts, theories, and terminology of public relations and marketing, and of copyediting, proofreading, and print production practices.

Outcomes

• Accurate preparation, editing, proofing, printing and dissemination of advertising, marketing material, press releases, and other information
• Monitored vendor production deliverables and resolution of issues
• Well-coordinated events
• Effective solicitation and preparation of volunteers
• Accurate and timely processing, compilation, and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communication, journalism, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates general knowledge, skill, and understanding of public relations, marketing, event execution, proofreading, writing, copyediting, print production, promotional advertising, organization, and/or coordination. Also requires good communication skills and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

Public Relations Specialist II – Grade 4

Position Summary

Prepares promotional event/campaign schedules and plans; coordinates and executes thematic design, logistics, and other aspects of marketing events, campaigns, activities, publicity, membership, and/or sales initiatives. Facilitates event committees/teams, coordinates assignments, and leads and guides interns, volunteers, and others during events. Places and coordinates print, radio, television, Internet, and other publicity. May operate video, sound, or other equipment. Writes, edits, and proofreads standard copy.  Prepares displays, giveaways, mailings, press releases, newsletters, web-based materials, and other routine information. Coordinates and monitors in-house and/or vendor production. May draft non-routine publicity. Actively negotiates costs/services within defined parameters, selects vendors, and tracks expenditures. Conducts surveys and provides data, analysis, and reports. Presents project proposals to supervisor and client departments. May monitor budgets or provide financial reports. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of public relations and/or marketing principles and practices, and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Accurate preparation, editing, proofing, printing, and dissemination of advertising, marketing material, press releases, and other information
• Effectively executed and coordinated thematic events
• Effective solicitation, scheduling, and preparation of volunteers, interns, and staff
• Increasedmembership/sales/attendance goals
• High-level service, clear communication and collaboration with clients
• Monitored vendor production deliverables and resolution of issues
• Identification of public relations issues and opportunities
• Accurate and timely processing, compilation, and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates skill, knowledge, and understanding, as appropriate, of public relations, promotions, event design and production, marketing, hospitality, proofreading, writing, editing, public communications, organization, coordination, and project management.  Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in a public relations or promotions/event planning function, good communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

Public Relations Specialist I – Grade 5

Position Summary

Executes communications/marketing plan in support of a major function or area, large campaign, or high profile event series by implementing promotional services, processes, systems, programs, or events that are creative, thematic, informative, and increase attendance and/or sales. Introduces supporting procedures to be followed by unit staff, external departments, and vendors. Builds media, university, and other relationships.  Identifies and keeps abreast of key areas/issues/services to publicize and promote.  Analyses opportunities for fit with the target audience and promotion of the university’s mission and the unit’s goals. May serve as the primary liaison to the media for an assigned area. Pitches stories and generates positive interest. Interviews, researches, writes, or otherwise creates original feature articles, text, graphic, audio, video, web-based, or other documents. Also produces media guides, displays, giveaways, mailings, press releases, and newsletters. Actively negotiates costs/services within defined parameters, selects vendors, and tracks expenditures. Designs and conducts surveys and provides data, analysis, financial and other reports. Presents project proposals to supervisor and client departments. May oversee or manage an office or unit, as well as hire, train, and evaluate staff. May also provide oversight and support of alumni relations activities, cultivate donors, and prepare budgets. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of public relations and/or marketing principles and practices, and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Well-executed marketing plan
• Effectively pitched stories, and preparation editing proofing, printing, and tactical placement of  advertising, marketing material, press releases, and other communications in the external media.
• Effective promotion of the university’s mission and goals
• Well-executed thematic events
• Identification and analysis of media issues and opportunities
• Enhanced internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Effective solicitation, scheduling, and preparation of volunteers, interns, and staff
• Increased membership/sales/attendance goals
• Identification and achievement of vendor production deliverables and resolution of issues
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Accurate and timely completion, analysis and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Compliance with operational policies and procedures, and with governing regulations on the data provided, and the timeliness of required report submissions.

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates skill, knowledge, and understanding, as appropriate, of public relations, promotions, event design and production, marketing, hospitality, proofreading, writing, editing, public communications, organization, coordination, and project management.  Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in a public relations or promotions/event planning function, good communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

Sr. Public Relations Specialist – Grade 6

Position Summary

Collaborates on the overall communication and marketing plan for a large or high profile department, school, institute, or center; high-level university clients; multiple assigned functions; large campaigns; or high profile event series. Designs and implements promotional services, processes, systems, programs, or events that are creative, thematic, informative, and increase attendance and sales. Determines supporting procedures to be followed by unit staff, external departments, and vendors. Builds media, university, and other relationships. Identifies and keeps abreast of key areas/issues/services to publicize and promote. Evaluates and determines opportunities for fit with the target audience and promotion of the university’s mission and the unit’s goals. Presents project proposals to client departments and university administrators for approval. Provides public relations expertise, and in-depth, subject specific advice to university faculty and administrators. Serves as the primary liaison to the media for an assigned area. Selects and pitches stories that generate positive interest in the function, unit, or university. Interviews, researches, writes, or otherwise creates original feature articles, text, graphic, audio, video, or web-based documents. Designs and produces all aspects of production for a wide variety of communications including news articles, graphics, Internet, radio/TV spots, advertising, media guides, brochures, displays, signage, membership materials, giveaways, acknowledgments, mailings, press releases, policy briefs, newsletters, and other information. Actively negotiates costs/services and selects vendors. Constructs budgets; provides financial reports; manages expenditures; ensures outcomes are met within budget; and provides data, analysis, and reports. May oversee or manage an office or unit, as well as hire, train, and evaluate staff. May also support alumni relations activities, cultivate donors, and manage development campaigns. Completes work independently, with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of one or more fields of public relations and marketing, and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Well-designed overall communication plan and detailed marketing proposals
• Increased membership/sales/attendance goals
• Well-pitched stories, and preparation, editing, proofing, printing, and tactical placement of advertising, marketing material, press releases, and other communications in the external media or with other target audiences.
• Effective promotion of the university’s mission and goals
• Identification and analysis of media issues and opportunities
• Effectively designed and executed thematic events
• Effective internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Effective solicitation, scheduling, and preparation of volunteers, interns, and staff
• Identification and achievement of vendor production deliverables  and resolution of issues
• Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
• Accurate and timely evaluation and completion of reports, data, and unit documents
• Compliance with operational policies, procedures, and governing regulations on the data, and timeliness of required report submissions.

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates skill, comprehensive knowledge, and understanding, as appropriate, of public relations, promotions, event design and production, marketing, hospitality, proofreading, writing, editing, public communications, organization, coordination, and project management.  Also requires a minimum of five years relevant experience in a public relations or promotions/event planning function, excellent communication skills, and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

 

Development Assistants, Development Specialists, and Directors of Development

Development Assistant – Grade 3

Position Summary

Processes prospect research requests and prepares donor-related records, statistics, reports, and documents. Sends acknowledgements to donors, processes gift checks and account paperwork. Schedules appointments and events calendar; and arranges and coordinates logistics for development events, projects, and meetings. Prepares routine gift reports and other informational materials for development office, financial aid, accounting, and other departments. May assist in basic research activities that support the unit, perform some general administrative support functions, and/or serve as liaison within and outside unit. Completes work under direct supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work, and within established work parameters for the unit. Work is usually reviewed upon completion. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of administrative/office management practices, and the basic application and use of concepts, theories, and terminology of development.

Outcomes

• Appropriate dissemination of confidential donor prospect information to  personnel
• Well-organized events
• Prompt responses to donor requests and concerns
• Accurate and timely processing, compilation, and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Accurate tracking of donation goals and gift amounts; timely acknowledgement of gifts received
• Safeguarded unit assets
• Effective communication and compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates general knowledge, skill, and understanding of customer service/public relations, event execution, office administration, organization, coordination, facilitation, bookkeeping, and/or report writing. Also requires good communication skills and computer literacy to include industry standard software.

Development Specialist II – Grade 4

Position Summary

Identifies and researches gift prospects and/or funding sources, conducting analysis of net worth, determining funding levels, and constructing a donor profile. Schedules, arranges, and coordinates thematic design and logistics for development events and donor meetings. Attends events and cultivates donors. Acknowledges donors, and processes gift checks and account paperwork. Creates gift reports, accounting records, statistics, and other informational materials for development office, financial aid, accounting, and other departments. May coordinate donor initiated scholarship programs and ensure that donor specifications are met. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work outputs by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of prospect research, event implementation, and donor cultivation, and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of development.

Outcomes

• Identification of donor prospects and net worth Completion of other prospect research and dissemination of information to appropriate personnel
• Accurate and timely scheduling of appointments and events
• Presentations on projects/events and the execution of thematic donor events
• Timely response to donor requests and concerns. Maintenance of donors’ interest in giving
• Increased event attendance
• Accurate completion and processing of gift checks and monitoring of  gift amounts and activity costs. Compilation  and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Implementation of donors’ giving specifications
• Safeguarded unit assets
• Effective communication, monitoring and compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge, skill, and understanding of donor research, customer service, donor/public relations, and event execution. Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in a fundraising, donor/public relations, promotions/event planning, or marketing function; good communication and persuasion skills; and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

Development Specialist I– Grade 5

Position Summary

Provides programmatic and administrative support for departmental and Rutgers University Foundation efforts to engage individual, alumni, corporate, and foundation prospects. Establishes measurable objectives and operating budget priorities. Collaborates and implements attention-getting and attended events. Identifies and cultivates prospects and acts as a liaison between development offices and potential donors. Encourages collaboration between donors and university administration, students, and faculty; and assists with developing opportunities for them to stay connected to a department, school, or college. Drafts and coordinates internal and external communications. May also prepare budgets and provide financial reports. Completes work under general supervision, within established work parameters, with few direct instructions. Carries out routine and non-routine tasks with occasional review of work outputs by supervisor. Performs professional work that requires knowledge of volunteer management, event/program implementation, public relations, and marketing principles and practices and a good understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of public relations and volunteer organization management.

Outcomes

• Improved networking and collaboration between donors and the university
• Presentations on events and projects
• Thematically executed donor events
• Identification of potential donor prospects and net worth. Completion of prospect research and the dissemination of information to appropriate personnel
• Cultivation of donors. Increased donor giving
• Increased event attendance
• Implementation of donors’ giving specifications
• Accurate and timely processing, and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Safeguarded unit assets
• Effective communication, monitoring, and compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, public relations, communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge, skill, and understanding of volunteer management, alumni/public relations, and event execution. Also requires a minimum of two years relevant experience in a promotions/event planning, volunteer, public relations, fundraising, or marketing function; good communication, persuasion, and diplomatic skills; and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

Sr. Development Specialist– Grade 6

Position Summary

Provides fundraising program and administrative support to a Director of Development; a large campaign; a campus; or to a high profile school, institute, or center. Collaborates and recommends fundraising plan. Designs individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for identified major prospects. Makes qualified and unqualified contacts, cultivates relationships with potential donors, and solicits gifts. Prepares and guides deans of schools, colleges, and/or campuses with the information needed to solicit funding from prospects. Stewards gifts, implements gift specifications, and manages donor recognition programs. Coordinates fundraising initiatives for class or capital campaigns. Identifies and pursues vehicles to publicize and attract funding. Designs and implements programs and events that are entrepreneurial, creative, and thematic. Initiates and coordinates speaking engagements and other internal and external communications activities. May cultivate corporations or foundations as the university’s key contact and provide liaison activities to university units. May also write grant proposals; oversee an office or unit; hire, train, and evaluate staff; monitor or develop budgets; and provide financial reports. Completes work independently with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of fundraising, planned giving, volunteer management, event/program implementation, public relations, and marketing principles and practices, and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.

Outcomes

• Cultivation and solicitation of donors. Increased donor giving
• Development plans and detailed solicitation strategies
• Enhanced internal and external relationships. High-quality service, clear information, coaching, and collaboration with clients, partners, and volunteers
• Effective implementation of thematic donor events
• Increased event attendance
• Effective communication of  donors’ giving specifications
• Analysis and maintenance of reports, data and unit documents
• Presentations  at meetings and events
• Safeguarded unit assets
• Effective communication of and compliance with operational policies and procedures

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, public relations, communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of fundraising, planned giving, development, philanthropy, public relations, and event execution. Also requires a minimum of five years relevant experience in a fundraising, promotions/event planning, public relations, or marketing function; excellent communication, persuasion, and diplomatic skills; and computer literacy to include industry standard software. 

Director of Development– Grade 7

Position Summary

Solicits gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and special resources in support of a portfolio of colleges, schools, programs, and university departments. Collaboratively determines fundraising goals. Designs overall development strategy, develops individualized cultivation and solicitation plans for identified major prospects, and creates short and long-term programs for clients. Makes a defined number of qualified and unqualified contacts and cultivates relationships with potential donors. Advises and guides departments and deans of schools, colleges, and/or campuses preparing for solicitation meetings. Builds successful relationships with alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and students. Serves as fundraising campaign manager.  Promotes clients’ development efforts through internal and external media and through programs that are entrepreneurial and creative. May also oversee an office or unit; hire, train, and evaluate staff; monitor or develop budgets; and provide financial reports. Completes work independently with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of fundraising, planned giving, volunteer management, program implementation, public relations, and marketing principles and practices, and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of development.

Outcomes

• Effective solicitation and close-outs on a defined number of gifts of at least $25,000 within the specified timeframe
• Completion of defined average of qualified contacts per month
• Completion of solicitations within a specified close ratio
• Effective internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Effective composition, communication, and recommendation of development plans and detailed solicitation strategies
• Effective communication of and compliance with operational policies and procedures
• Well-designed and produced programs for donor prospects
• Accurate and  timely design, preparation, and dissemination of fundraising/marketing material, press releases, and other development/stewardship communications
• Effective communication of donors’ giving specifications
• Accurate analysis and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Safeguarded unit assets

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of solicitation strategies, development, fundraising, philanthropy, and/or non-profit marketing; plus a minimum of five years experience in fundraising that includes success in securing substantial gifts, demonstrated diplomatic negotiating, consensus building, collaboration, the use of promotional tools and techniques, and development of creative and innovative programs and strategies. Also requires the ability to think strategically; understand the role of individuals, corporations, and foundations in contemporary philanthropy; and handle complex organizational detail; excellent communication skills; computer literacy to include industry standard software; and experience articulating values, information, and compelling cases to multiple audiences, one-on-one, and through formal proposals and/or presentations.  

Director of Development– Grade 8

Position Summary

Solicits gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and special resources in support of a portfolio of colleges, schools, programs, and university departments. Collaboratively determines fundraising goals. Designs overall development strategy, individualized cultivation and solicitation plans for identified major prospects, and short and long-term programs for clients. Makes a defined number of qualified and unqualified contacts and cultivates relationships with potential donors. Advises and guides departments and deans of schools, colleges, and/or campuses preparing for solicitation meetings. Builds successful relationships with alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and students. Serves as fundraising campaign manager. Promotes clients’ development efforts through internal and external media and through programs that are entrepreneurial and creative. May also oversee an office or unit; hire, train, and evaluate staff; monitor or develop budgets; and provide financial reports. Works independently to meet objectives with minimal supervision. Performs professional work that requires detailed, specialized knowledge in one or more fields of development; an in-depth understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of fundraising, planned giving, volunteer management, program implementation, public relations, and marketing principles and practices; and a comprehensive knowledge of the organization as it relates to structure, operations, strategies, and objectives.

Outcomes

• Solicitations from a national portfolio of highly rated prospects and close-out on a defined number of gifts of at least $100,000 within the specified timeframe
• Achievement of a defined average of qualified contacts, by type, per month
• Completion of  solicitations within a specified close ratio
• Achievement of overall yearly fundraising goal
• Effective internal and external relationships. Provision of effective communication, service, and coaching to partners, donors, and volunteers
• Effective composition, communication, and recommendation of development plan and detailed solicitation strategies
• Effective communication of and compliance with operational policies and procedures
• Design and production of programs and events for donor prospects
• Accurate and timely design, preparation, and dissemination of marketing materials and other development and stewardship communications
• Effective communication of donor’s giving specifications
• Accurate analysis and maintenance of reports, data, and unit documents
• Safeguarded unit assets

 

Knowledge and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge of solicitation strategies, development, fundraising, philanthropy, and/or non-profit marketing; plus a minimum of five years experience in fundraising in a leadership or managerial role of increasing responsibility, that includes success in securing substantial gifts, demonstrated diplomatic negotiating, consensus building, collaboration, the use of promotional tools and techniques, and development of creative and innovative programs and strategies. Also requires the ability to think strategically; understand the role of individuals, corporations, and foundations in contemporary philanthropy; and handle complex organizational detail. Must have excellent communication skills; computer literacy to include industry standard software; and experience articulating values, information, and compelling cases to multiple audiences, one-on-one, and through formal proposals and/or presentations.

To submit a comment or to report any problems with this site, please email us. For questions about University Human Resources programs and services, please email our Operations Team.

© 2007 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: 03/14/2007