ADV: Student Philanthropy Ambassador (S99754)

Summary

Student Philanthropy Ambassadors (SPAs) help build meaningful relationships across the Bates community by creating opportunities for students and alumni to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen lifelong ties to the college. Working with the Office of Advancement, the team that builds relationships with alumni, families, and donors who support the college, SPAs help students understand how alumni and other supporters contribute to the Bates experience.

Basics

  • Department: Advancement
  • Supervisor: Jem Bullock
  • Office Location: Lane Hall 3rd Floor
  • Email: jbullock@bates.edu

Responsibilities

  • Help organize events and activities that connect students with alumni and encourage campus participation.
  • Talk with fellow students about how scholarships, programs, and other donor-supported opportunities make a Bates education possible.
  • Assist with events, outreach, and projects that strengthen connections between students and alumni.
  • Write thank-you notes and help recognize alumni and donors who support Bates students.
  • Share ideas with the Office of College Advancement about ways to engage students and create meaningful campus experiences.
  • Act as representatives of the Office of College Advancement to the broader campus community.

Requirements

No previous experience in fundraising or philanthropy is required. Training, guidance, and ongoing support are provided throughout the year.

Qualified SPA candidates will be:

  • Enthusiastic about the college and committed to strengthening community culture;
  • Comfortable talking to peers, faculty, staff, and alumni about student life and college values;
  • Organized, reliable, and willing to take initiative;
  • Interested in leadership, social media, service, non-profit work, and institutional development.

Please apply on Handshake and include a resume and a cover letter. 

What You Will Gain:

  • Experience planning events, communicating with a variety of audiences, and contributing to a professional team.
  • Leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers.
  • Opportunities to connect with Bates alumni, staff, and community members while learning about different career paths, industries, and experiences.
  • An understanding of how colleges, nonprofits, and other organizations build meaningful relationships with supporters to create opportunities for students and communities.
  • Hands on experience with donor relations, engagement, stewardship, fundraising, philanthropy, and annual giving.

Reporting

SPAs will work together closely on team projects in addition to individual responsibilities. Additionally, SPAs will meet with various members of the Advancement team, including members from Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, Advancement Communications, Leadership Giving, Parent Giving, and Advancement Equity and Inclusion. All SPAs will be directly supervised by Jem Bullock and Adama Diaby, Office of College Advancement.

Working Conditions

In addition to office based responsibilities, SPAs will engage with students and the broader campus community through events, tabling in Commons, and outreach in other campus spaces. The position involves transporting event materials and supplies, which may include lifting heavier items, and may require standing or moving for extended periods of time.