RWU Student Ambassador / Phonathon Caller
Job Description
Students make the best ambassadors for Roger Williams University.
Student callers are vital to the success of fundraising at RWU and to maintaining strong relationships with alumni and parents. Students are the best ambassadors to talk about the RWU experience - because they’re living it!
This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, a problem-solving mentality, the ability to think strategically in a fast-paced environment and a genuine affinity for RWU. Working on the phonathon team is an excellent opportunity to develop your knowledge and expertise in communication, fundraising, public relations and student affairs.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Teressa Cleary, Associate Director of Marketing Strategy for Annual Giving: tcleary@rwu.edu. In the email subject line, please include the name of the position for which you are apply and your name.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Serve as an ambassador by establishing an open and engaging line of communication between RWU and its supporters and potential supporters.
- Establish a positive rapport with the alumni, parents and friends you call.
- Gain a greater understanding of RWU, its organizational structure and its annual need for financial support.
- Arrive on time and with a positive attitude to scheduled calling sessions.
- Call constituents (alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of RWU) to build personal rapport, update demographic information and acquire donations to support the RWU Annual Fund.
- Write thank you notes as directed.
- Work with other student callers in a team-oriented environment to achieve institutional goals.
- Present RWU in a positive light with alumni, parents and friends.
- Commit to a minimum of (2 shifts) per week.
- Handle all personal information with extreme confidentiality.
- Keep all donor information confidential. Prospects’ information, or discussion of it, is NOT permitted outside of the phonathon room.
- Maintain records of each evening’s calls.
- Alert the student management team and Associate Director of donor problems or concerns.
- Refrain from using or having your cell phone out during calling sessions.
- Follow all other procedures and guidelines in the training manual.
- Have a great time and make new friends!
- Undertake other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Competitive wages: Phonathon callers make $10.50/hour, with opportunities for bonuses and job advancement.
- Build your resume: Develop strong fundraising, communication, and marketing skills.
- Learn more: About philanthropy as a career option.
- Network: Converse with alumni in various professions throughout the country.
Phonathon cultivates important skills.
Phonathon callers contact alumni, parents and friends of RWU to update our contact information, share RWU news and current events and solicit contributions. Working at
phonathon will enhance critical and practical skills that will serve you for a lifetime, in fields such as:
- communications
- public relations
- customer service
- non-profit
- marketing
- sales
- finance
- student affairs
Phonathon prepares you for life after RWU.
Have you wondered about what you’ll be doing after you graduate? At phonathon you will gain valuable networking opportunities as you speak with alumni who are now living in the “real world.” Your conversations with alumni may help you find your own path! You will also gain valuable skills in interacting with peers in order to address concerns.
Phonathon has an impact on RWU.
Phonathon is important to RWU’s welfare. Callers are key figures in raising funds for RWU. The more money callers raise, the more funding RWU can devote to research and scholarships for students like you! It feels good to make such a difference.
Phonathon rewards its callers.
Of course, there are many rewards for callers’ hard work. Here are just a few examples:
- Bonuses
- Snacks and beverages
- Nightly games
If you’re looking for real-world work, you’re diligent and articulate, and you want to be rewarded well, phonathon may be the job for you!
Qualifications and preferred skills:
- Enthusiasm for RWU and its mission.
- Effectiveness and genuine warmth in contact with others.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Comfort in soliciting gifts from alumni and friends.
- Persistent in securing a pledge and negotiating the gift amount.
- Strong character and a positive attitude.
- Ability to work well independently and in a team setting.
- Current RWU undergraduate student, second semester freshman or older.
- Organizational abilities and attentiveness to details.
- Able to work two shifts per week. See working hours below.
Working Hours:
- Phonathon shifts run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. every other Sunday. Some special shifts may be scheduled.
- Students work a minimum of two shifts per week. Callers must commit to working the same nights on a regular basis (e.g. Sundays and Tuesdays every week).
*Students are prohibited from driving during work-study employment with the limited exception of authorized work-study driver positions.