Program Officer, Development

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is an independent, nonprofit organization committed to academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability at America’s colleges and universities. Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.

The Program Officer for Development provides support for all facets of ACTA’s development effort, effectively applying fundraising theories, techniques, and best practices to achieve annual giving campaign goals. The Program Officer must have strong communications skills with a focus on writing (especially grant proposals, reports to donors, and fundraising letters) and must understand and support ACTA’s mission to improve higher education by working with multiple constituencies. The Program Officer reports to the Vice President of Development & Strategic Partnerships and provides development support and counsel to the President and Senior Vice President as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Vice President in developing and implementing a strategic plan to achieve annual giving campaign goals and objectives.
• Assist the Vice President in sustaining current donor base, as well as identifying and cultivating potential new donors.
• Manage ACTA’s direct mail program by planning and scheduling all donor appeals; writing informational mailings, individual letters to supporters, and house file and prospect fundraising letters; overseeing data selection for donor mailings and list acquisition for prospect mailings; and managing solicitations to ACTA’s donor societies.
• Manage and promote the sponsorship program for ACTA’s annual event, the ATHENA Roundtable and Merrill Award Gala.
• Manage monthly donor communications via email blasts.
• Monitor timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure that the department’s strategic plan and critical fundraising processes are executed effectively and in a timely manner.
• Supervise maintenance of ACTA’s fundraising database, while ensuring that protocols and confidentiality safeguards are observed.
• Oversee the accuracy of donor records, including correct categorization of donors and gifts, and generate periodic fundraising/donor reports.

Qualifications

The Program Officer should approach these tasks as an entrepreneurial enterprise, requiring an understanding of and proactive approach to ACTA’s program activities. He or she must be personable, innovative, independent, and highly-motivated, as well as exhibit the highest degree of personal responsibility, accountability, and honesty. He or she must be committed to ACTA’s mission as a leader in higher education reform.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, preferably in English, communications, or a related field, as well as 2-3 years of experience in annual giving campaigns. Candidates should possess exemplary writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, and should be proficient with Salesforce.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to Nick Barden at info@goacta.org. Incomplete applications will not receive full consideration.