Staff spotlight: Jennifer Nye

What are the primary activities of your role? How do you engage with your University Relations and Development colleagues?

I serve as one of the leadership gift officers for the College, as well as manage our stellar major gifts and leadership annual giving team.

I regularly engage with colleagues across the Division—from collaborating on a gift strategy with a current parent to ensuring high value guests at an alumni event receive a warm welcome to stewarding a newly established scholarship fund. We have some of the most talented, gracious and delightful colleagues in URD!

How long have you worked at the university? How long have you been in your current role? 

I started my professional fundraising career at Weatherhead in 2007 after working in the student call center while I finished my degree at MSASS. I was thrilled to return to CWRU for this role at the College about two and half years ago.

What do you like most about your job, specifically? 

I am endlessly fascinated by people's lives and stories. So spending time with our alumni and friends, hearing about what they value, what motivates them and why, brings me joy in my work. Plus, my list of book recommendations and travel destinations is infinte!

What is your favorite personal success story in your position?

If you've taken the Clifton Strengths assessment, you'll know that one of the strengths is "Woo," and I'm about 2/3 Woo. When I can rebuild a relationship or bring someone back into the fold that has been disconnected, then I'm in my groove. I've been successful in accomplishing just that in my position at CAS, which is incredibly rewarding.

What do you like most about working at Case Western Reserve University, in general?

We are surrounded by so many brilliant, inspiring people that I learn something new on a regular basis. And the radio station, WRUW, is exceptional!

What advice would you give to a new member of our University Relations and Development team?

I'd offer to both pace yourself—there's a lot going on at CWRU, and it takes a while to learn the lingo, the people, and the history—and begin making connections with colleagues in URD and across campus.