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.

Program Associate, Fund for Academic Renewal

The Fund for Academic Renewal (FAR), a program of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), seeks a program associate. FAR furthers ACTA’s mission by assisting higher education donors in making gifts that foster academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability at U.S. colleges and universities. An appreciation for the importance of philanthropy in American civil society and an interest in higher education reform are essential for success in this position.

The program associate is expected to be personable, well organized, highly motivated, detail oriented, and principled. The highest degree of personal responsibility, accountability, and honesty is expected. The program associate reports directly to FAR’s executive director and, ultimately, to ACTA’s president.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Research current and prospective college donors, as well as wealth advisers and others who guide philanthropic decisions of high-net-worth individuals.
• Draft content for printed publications to advance FAR’s mission, particularly the next edition of The Intelligent Donor’s Guide.
• Organize annual conference for faculty, as well as regional salons for wealth advisors and philanthropists.
• Draft and assemble content for the FAR newsletter, as well as the FAR blog, FAR LinkedIn page, and other social media platforms.
• Record and acknowledge all FAR correspondence and donations; oversee and maintain FAR Salesforce database.
• Provide day-to-day general support for department, including managing time-sensitive projects.

Qualifications

This is an entry-level position. Candidates must possess a four-year undergraduate degree; a passion for higher education reform and the role of philanthropy in civil society; strong attention to detail; excellent writing skills; the ability to interact with a diverse constituent base; and proficiency with MS Office Suite. Experience using Salesforce or other constituent databases is preferred but not required. ACTA provides an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, medical insurance, and commuter benefits.

To apply, email cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample of approximately 500 words to Nick Barden at info@goacta.org.