The Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs is responsible for coordinating fundraising projects organized to take advantage of the institutional bonds found in alumni classes and sports teams. The Director also supports the Annual Giving Programs staff in the solicitation of unrestricted Annual Fund support for the Naval Academy, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Naval Academy Foundation. The Director will work closely with senior Foundation leadership, the Annual Giving Programs staff, the Regional Development Team, Enterprise Communications, Engagement and Treasury staff, Naval Academy staff, and a designated group of class leaders and volunteers to ensure the smooth coordination and execution of class and sport fundraising projects.
The position reports directly to the Executive Director, Annual Giving Programs at the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation.
This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices located next to the beautiful grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 2023, the staff of the Alumni Association & Foundation moved into the new Fluegel Alumni Center, which was built on the banks of College Creek overlooking the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis.
ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (USNA) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The organization's focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions. We connect and support our alumni community and the U.S. Naval Academy so the Brigade and alumni community can lead and serve at their full potential for the good of the nation.
Our important mission requires that we hire and retain the best of the best. In order to do that, we offer competitive pay, generous benefits, opportunities for career development, and a positive work experience.
This position pays a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. We offer a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, tuition reimbursement, and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina, and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The focus of the Class Giving Program is to facilitate the solicitation of private gift support from up to 8000 alumni within a calendar year for approved class projects comprised of both restricted components and the Annual Fund. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design and implement a comprehensive program for prospects to support restricted and unrestricted programs in support of the Naval Academy, the Naval Academy Foundation, the Naval Academy Athletic Association, and the Naval Academy Alumni Association. To facilitate this program, the following solicitation strategies may be used:
- Phone-Mail Fundraising
- Direct Mail
- Volunteer Network Solicitations
- Major gift prospecting
- Other forms of digital solicitation that the Foundation may utilize including but not limited to crowdfunding, texting, and social media posts.
- Coordinate with the Executive Director, Annual Giving Programs in the creation and implementation of an integrated and mutually beneficial program of solicitation of alumni for ongoing and special project support.
- Prepare a detailed plan and coordinate within the development calendar segmented strategies to increase alumni giving participation. Conduct alumni class and sport fundraising campaigns that encourage the participation of all potential donors.
- Prepare alumni class and sport project Memoranda of Understanding that set forth responsibilities for the associated project. At the appropriate time, prepare and coordinate formal Gift Agreements for review and approval by donor group and acknowledging parties as appropriate.
- Work in close partnership with all Foundation fundraising agents to conceive and implement a targeted and successful solicitation program for each alumni class and sport project.
- Coordinate and supervise the preparation of appropriate solicitation and recognition materials for all phases of the alumni class or sport project campaign.
- Design each alumni class and sport project appeal with the highest level of personalization possible.
- As related to Class Projects: support the activities of the Foundation's Major Gift Officers in their personalized solicitations; support the Planned Giving and Corporation/Foundation offices in their fundraising activities.
- Fill the role of gift officer for any individual class members or sports team members when appropriate.
- Monitor Class Project gift fulfillment and assist the Director of Gift Administration in the resolution of issues concerning Class Project gift fulfillment.
- Ensure that funds raised during Class Projects are used for their intended purposes. Should the need for which funds were raised change or become obsolete, work with Foundation, class and Naval Academy leadership to find a new purpose, aligned as closely as possible to the original purpose, for the funds raised and take the necessary administrative action required to allow support of the new purpose with the funds raised.
- Monitor all restricted funds in relation to fundraising goals and periodically report to fund sponsors the status of fundraising activity and expenditures, as required.
- Coordinate the regular financial accounting and periodic reporting of all class gift accounts, including unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and endowments.
- Coordinate with USNAF Treasury and Information Services regarding online financial reporting availability.
- Prepare a report at the close of each calendar year for out-year planning.
- Serve as the Supervisor of the Class Giving Coordinator as the incumbent of that position assists in the execution of the above duties.
- When assigned, act as the Foundation Contracting Officer's Representative in the negotiation and administration of contracts for in-kind gifts to the Naval Academy that will be funded with private gift donations to the Foundation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented team player with integrity and a solid work ethic.
- Superior oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, especially the ability to listen effectively, write clearly, and speak to groups ranging in age from their 20's through their 90's.
- Computer proficient, to include aptitude in database, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications like Power Point.
- Staff and volunteer management experience.
- Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects.
- Travel as needed to meet one-on-one with class leaders.
- A sincere and enthusiastic belief in the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy.
- This position is based in Annapolis and is not eligible for telecommuting; flexible work arrangements are subject to discretion of individual supervisors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five+ years of fundraising or related experience.
- Prior military experience.
- Naval Academy graduate.
- Comprehensive campaign experience.
To Apply: Please go to and apply through our website.
The USNA Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Veterans are encouraged to apply.
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