University Advancement

Available Positions

Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Graduate Assistant

The Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Graduate Assistant serves as a valuable member of the Sacred Heart University Advancement team working in an influential support capacity to align meaningful annual giving and stewardship programs with university-wide strategic objectives. The position requires an ambitious, energetic, creative and highly-organized people person with a successful record as a teammate, planner, communicator and doer.

  • Part-Time (15-20 hours/week)
  • Compensation: 
    • $10,000 stipend
    • $2,600 tuition waiver

Dates

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Support the implementation annual giving plans of action and completion of special project assignments
  • Provides administrative support and implementation assistance for philanthropy programs and campaigns
  • Perform constituent data entry, integrity and reporting functions on the Advancement CRM system
  • Supports University Advancement events such as Homecoming, Giving Day, reunions, golf tournaments and other related activities
  • Engage in donor stewardship activities including, but not limited to drafting written/digital correspondence and making phone calls
  • Support marketing efforts for fundraising initiatives through digital outreach, phone calls and other approaches as appropriate
  • Support University Advancement staff by assisting with additional duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and multi-task
  • Works independently, makes appropriate decisions and solve problems when they arise
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficient in social media platforms
  • Database management experience is a plus
  • Prior experience working in higher education setting is desirable
  • Proficiency in digital design (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva) is desirable

Unusual Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary for planned events and initiatives. Periodic local travel might be required from time to time.

Apply

For more information, or to apply, contact Aidan Whalen at whalena4@sacredheart.edu.

Athletic Advancement Graduate Assistant

The Graduate Assistant – Athletic Advancement serves as a valuable member of the Sacred Heart University Advancement team working in an influential support capacity to align meaningful alumni engagement and annual giving programs with university-wide strategic objectives. The position requires an ambitious, energetic and highly-organized people person with a successful record as a teammate, planner, communicator and doer.

  • Part-Time (15-20 hours/week)
  • Compensation: 
    • $10,000 stipend
    • $2,600 tuition waiver

Dates

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Pioneer Club and the Annual Fund team
  • Work with the members of the Athletic and University Advancement staff to engage in donor stewardship activities including, but not limited to, drafting written/digital correspondence and making phone calls
  • Provides administrative support and implementation assistance for philanthropy programs and campaigns
  • Perform constituent data entry, integrity and reporting functions on the Advancement CRM system
  • Attend athletic events to engage with current and prospective donors and provide game day support for VIP functions
  • Assist with planning and execution of alumni events for specific sports teams
  • Supports Athletics and University Advancement events such as Homecoming, Giving Day, reunions, golf tournaments and other related activities
  • Support marketing efforts for fundraising initiatives through digital outreach and other approaches as appropriate
  • Support University Advancement staff by assisting with additional duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Acceptance and enrollment in a related Sacred Heart University graduate program
  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and multi-task
  • Works independently, makes appropriate decisions, and solve problems when they arise
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Preference given to those with background in InDesign or other graphic design software
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficient in social media platforms
  • Database management experience is a plus
  • Prior experience working in higher education setting is desirable
  • Strong enthusiasm and the long-term goal of working in the athletic development profession
  • Knowledge and commitment to the mission of Sacred Heart University

Unusual Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary for planned events and initiatives. Periodic local travel might be required from time to time.

Apply

For more information, or to apply, contact Thomas Stuart at stuartt3@sacredheart.edu.

Graduate Assistant Financial Analyst

This position is responsible for recording and acknowledging all philanthropic gift and pledge data for the University.

  • Part-Time (15-20 hours/week)
  • Compensation: 
    • $10,000 stipend
    • $2,600 tuition waiver

Dates

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • All gift/pledge entry
  • Proper recording of grants
  • Posting transactions to the general ledger
  • Monthly reconciliation between database and general ledger
  • Acknowledgement data selection and production of all acknowledgement letters
  • Gift detail reports as needed
  • Weekly gift reports

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines a must
  • Understanding of accounting debits and credits
  • Good communications skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
  • Familiarity with the Raiser’s Edge fundraising database is a plus

Apply

For more information, or to apply, contact Brian Wilson at wilsonb6@sacredheart.edu.

Alumni Engagement & Donor Engagement Graduate Assistant

The Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Graduate Assistant serves as a valuable member of the Sacred Heart University Advancement team working in an influential support capacity to align meaningful annual giving and stewardship programs with university-wide strategic objectives. The position requires an ambitious, energetic, creative and highly-organized people person with a successful record as a teammate, planner, communicator and doer.

  • Part-time (15-20 hours/week)
  • Compensation:
    • $10,000 stipend
    • $2,600 tuition waiver

Dates

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Support the implementation annual giving plans of action and completion of special project assignments
  • Provides administrative support and implementation assistance for philanthropy programs and campaigns
  • Perform constituent data entry, integrity and reporting functions on the Advancement CRM system
  • Supports University Advancement events such as Homecoming, Giving Day, reunions, golf tournaments and other related activities
  • Engage in donor stewardship activities including, but not limited to drafting written/digital correspondence and making phone calls
  • Support marketing efforts for fundraising initiatives through digital outreach, phone calls and other approaches as appropriate
  • Support the University Advancement staff by assisting with additional duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and multi-task
  • Works independently, makes appropriate decisions and solve problems when they arise
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficient in social media platforms
  • Database management experience is a plus
  • Prior experience working in higher education setting is desirable
  • Proficiency in digital design (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva) is desirable

Unusual Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary for planned events and initiatives. Periodic local travel might be required from time to time. Sacred Heart University Graduate Assistants are permitted to work no more than 20 hours per week.

Apply

For more information, or to apply, contact Kristen Murphy-Mengold at murphy-mengoldk@sacredheart.edu.

Unavailable Positions

Parent Programs & Prospect Research/Development Graduate Assistant

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Parent Programs & Parent Programs & Prospect Research/Development will be an integral part of the Sacred Heart University Prospect Development team, supporting engagement, research, stewardship and fundraising efforts with SHU parent donors and families. This student worker will assist with events, mailings, outreach, research and administrative tasks that contribute to donor cultivation and program effectiveness. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, people-focused, enthusiastic and committed to providing excellent support across multiple advancement functions.

  • Part-Time (15-20 hours/week)
  • Compensation: 
    • $10,000 stipend
    • $2,600 tuition waiver

Dates

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist with planning and executing parent-related advancement events, including mailings, invitations, registration, on-site logistics and follow-up communication
  • Provide staffing support at parent-facing events such as Family Weekend, Homecoming, athletic receptions and admissions fairs
  • Conduct research on parent and family constituents, including creating brief bios and compiling relevant background information for meetings and events
  • Make thank-you and stewardship phone calls to parent donors and supporters
  • Assist with managing inventory for event materials and promotional items
  • Help maintain accurate parent donor and volunteer information in the Advancement CRM system (Raiser’s Edge), including data entry, updates and list preparation
  • Coordinate with Advancement Services and Prospect Management staff to support fundraising and engagement initiatives through research, reporting and project execution
  • Support digital outreach for parent philanthropy campaigns and events, including email, phone and social media efforts as appropriate
  • Generate and analyze mailing lists, event attendance reports, and other parent program data as needed
  • Assist with general administrative and project-based duties to support the success of University Advancement

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Current enrollment in a Sacred Heart University graduate program
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
  • Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills
  • Customer-service orientation with a friendly and professional demeanor
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM systems a plus
  • Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events

Alumni Engagement & Special Project Graduate Assistant

The Alumni Engagement and Special Project Graduate Assistant serves as a valuable member of the Sacred Heart University Advancement team working in an influential support capacity to align meaningful alumni engagement with university-wide strategic objectives. The position requires an ambitious, energetic and highly-organized person with a successful record as a teammate, planner, communicator and doer.

Dates

TBD

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Support the implementation of the alumni engagement plans of action and completion of special project assignments
  • Provides administrative support and implementation assistance for philanthropy programs and campaigns
  • Perform constituent data entry, integrity and reporting functions on the Advancement CRM system
  • Supports University Advancement events such as Homecoming, Giving Day, reunions, golf tournaments and other related activities
  • Engage in donor stewardship activities including, but not limited to drafting written/digital correspondence and making phone calls
  • Support marketing efforts for fundraising initiatives through digital outreach, phone calls and other approaches as appropriate
  • Support University Advancement staff by assisting with additional duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Needed

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
  • Driven work ethic, with the ability meet deadlines when asked
  • Works independently & has good problem solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficient in social media platforms
  • Database management experience is a plus
  • Prior experience working in higher education setting is desirable

Unusual Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary for planned events and initiatives. Periodic local travel might be required from time to time.