Telefund Specialist
We're looking for enthusiastic communicators from the UI student body to work in the UI Foundation Telefund Program. If you are:
- Looking to prepare for a career in communications, marketing, or philanthropy
- Looking for experience in public relations to help you prepare for a career after college
- Ready to begin your preparation for that real job now
- Eager to contribute to the growth of the UI
- A student at the UI
You may be who we're looking for!
What is a Telefund Specialist?
UI telefund specialists contact alumni and friends across the country to ask for contributions to support The University of Iowa. Evening work hours are required. Working hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Callers are required to work at least three shifts a week, including one weekend shift per week. Training is on Sundays and Mondays.
Starting pay currently is up to $9.50 an hour.
The Telefund Calling Center is located on campus in the Levitt Center for University Advancement near Hancher Auditorium and City Park.
How's this different from any other telemarketing job?
We don't have harsh production quotas, and we have reasonable expectations for performance with different types of fundraising campaigns.
Though we often hire large groups of students several times a year, we also have a number of students who have been with us two, three, or even four years.
We provide an upbeat, supportive work atmosphere.
Our calling center is automated, but we don't use a fast-paced dialer. The machinery won't hang up on alumni.
We strictly follow all laws regulating the telemarketing industry.
Why hire students to raise money?
Students and alumni share a connection to the University, and this often results in terrific phone conversations, and ultimately much needed support for the University.
Plus, it costs nearly $3 billion dollars to operate The University of Iowa for a year.
Only 9.1 percent of the UI's total budget is provided by state appropriations. The University must rely on other sources, including gifts from friends and alumni, for funds to provide quality education for its students.
Because the phone allows us to reach many alumni and friends in a very short period of time, it is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to raise money and create relationships for the University.
Why raise money over the phone?
Because it works! Here are some of the reasons why people support the UI:
- They believe in the future of The University of Iowa. Most donors appreciate the value of public education, and are willing to support academic excellence.
- They believe in a specific academic program. Often a particular department captures the interest of the alumni. They feel good about supporting something of interest to them.
- Alumni want to invest in the lasting value of their own degree. A degree is only as good as the school it comes from.
- They want to return the favor. Many grads received financial aid when they attended school and would like to provide that opportunity for others.
- They are asked!!!
