The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Position Description Summary/Purpose:
Under the direction of the Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Advancement, the Advancement Specialist manages and supports strategic software projects, alumni engagement initiatives, fundraising events, and marketing efforts that support the University's fundraising and stewardship goals. This position serves as the primary administrator for multiple advancement platforms, coordinates cross-functional projects across university departments, and ensures the successful execution of donor stewardship, scholarship management, communications, and alumni engagement activities.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:
Lead planning and execution of Advancement projects by coordinating timelines, workflows, cross-functional communication, and operational priorities to support fundraising, alumni relations, and strategic institutional initiatives.
Plan, coordinate, and execute multiple annual signature Advancement events, regional alumni events, online fundraising events, and additional donor and alumni engagement programs. Some events may require occasional evening and weekend availability.
Create and maintain event registration systems, sponsorship tracking, financial spreadsheets, attendee databases, vendor coordination, signage management, volunteer coordination, and operational documentation for Advancement events.
Administer Advancement technology platforms including Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, NetCommunity, ScholarshipUniverse, CRM systems, Canva, and related software by maintaining databases, managing users, creating reports, configuring workflows, and ensuring data accuracy.
Manage the University's ScholarshipUniverse platform, including scholarship configuration, application cycles, review committee administration, award processes, donor and recipient communications, reporting, and coordination with Financial Aid and Information Technology.
Develop and manage digital marketing and communication campaigns through email marketing, website updates, and alumni communications to increase participation and donor engagement.
Manage Advancement social media accounts and digital content by creating graphics, scheduling campaigns, developing promotional materials, maintaining branding standards, and monitoring audience engagement.
Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Marketing, Information Technology, Financial Aid, and other university departments to implement website updates, marketing campaigns, CRM integrations, scholarship processes, and institutional communications.
Create and maintain comprehensive operational documentation, process guides, workflow procedures, and training materials to improve departmental efficiency, consistency, and knowledge transfer.
Perform related duties as necessary to support the University of Bridgeport's mission.
Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
Other Functions:
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
Must be detail-oriented
Excellent time management skills
Professional oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Process information quickly and accurately
Able to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume environment
| Location | Bridgeport, CT |