Annual Giving Graduate Assistant

Annual Giving Graduate Assistant Job Description

1. Work as primary advisor to the Student Philanthropy Committee (SPC): recruit members and E-board, determine ideas to engage students, grow the committee, and expand its reach
2. Drive student volunteer recruiting for SPC and Senior Class Gift; assist with Senior Class Gift planning and execution, including tours of the Elliott Tower Senior Tower Climb in April.
3. Continue and improve upon existing student philanthropy efforts
4. Manage planning, volunteers, and tabling efforts for occasional events such as Commencement Fair, Grizz Fest, Senior Class Gift, Tower Climb, etc.
5. Use of social media to expand SPC base/awareness
6. Assist with Giving Day planning and execution
7. Assist with occasional solicitations such as direct mail or email – drafting verbiage, reviewing data, etc
8. Support occasional philanthropy events as needed (reminder calling, taking RSVPs, on-site check-in, etc.)
9. Assist with general Annual Giving priorities as needed, particularly if deemed complementary to student’s skills and strengths. This could include but is not limited to attending donor visits with a gift officer, filling in as call center manager, filming videos to send to donors, etc. 
10. Other duties as assigned

Ideal candidate will have:

1. Strong relationship-building skills
2. Comfort with public speaking
3. The ability to work independently and professionally communicate with staff and volunteers 
4. The confidence to evaluate existing initiatives and provide creative feedback to help grow Annual Giving initiatives
5. Experience collaborating with groups, presentations, and/or meetings
6. Pursuing a degree with a complementary curriculum to job description (examples include MPA, Higher Ed Leadership, Communication/Marketing, etc. Please note: We will review all applications for suitability and fit regardless of academic program)

What you’ll gain/Professional development outcomes

• Hands on experience working with fundraising professionals
• Build a portfolio of samples and projects for future opportunities
• Opportunity to job shadow/informational interview with advancement staff 
• Engage with university leadership and community members, both internal and external
• Training/experience in various fundraising software and CRMs

Other important information:

• There are three Saturdays that the Graduate Assistant is required to attend per year (fall and spring commencement fairs in November and March, and the Senior Class Gift Tower Climb in mid-April). Additionally, Graduate Assistant is required to be in-person for Giving Day (TBD in February or March). Flexible scheduling will be used to accommodate these and any other instances. Otherwise, typical hours will take place during the regular work week. 
• The Annual Giving Office is located just off campus in the Moceri House. Opportunity for hybrid (in-person/remote) work may be available.
• Must be accepted to a full-time (8 credits a semester) OU grad program for fall 2026. Assistantship is for one academic year (September - April) with possibility to extend to a second year. 
• Standard OU Graduate Assistant package will apply: 
  • Tuition (eight credits per semester or a total of 8 credits) will be compensated. Any additional credits and class fees, including books, will be the responsibility of the student. 
  • Compensation: Student will receive a stipend (via direct deposit if desired) on the last business day of each month for the duration of the assistantship.