Director of Annual Giving

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for managing all annual giving initiatives to include but not limited to the phonathon, direct mail solicitations, faculty and staff giving and various other annual appeals in order to actively engage multiple constituencies in the mission and life of the University.

The Director is responsible for the preparation, planning and coordination of the University’s Founders Council, a volunteer group that supports the mission and vision of the university. Duties include recruitment, solicitation and orientation of new members, and planning and holding board meetings. In this capacity, the Director serves as the liaison between the University and the Founders Council.

• Works closely with departmental staff for all activities involving the Founders Council, including its annual golf and tennis tournaments held each November. Duties include volunteer and event coordination, publicity, and mass mailings.
• In coordination with the Senior Director of Development, is responsible for all other Annual Fund appeals, including direct mail and year-end appeals, Phonathons, Senior Class Gifts, brick, and other campaigns. The director is responsible for identifying and engaging volunteer and donor prospects, writing appeal letters and analyzing campaign results in an effort to increase annual funding for the University.
• Visits, calls, and cultivates existing and prospective donors as assigned by the Senior Director of Development.
• Hosts on-campus donor visits.
• Assists with all other Advancement duties as assigned.
  
  

Core Responsibilities

• Fundraising – Coordinate all aspects of annual solicitations of alumni, parents, friends, corporations, faculty, and staff through various targeted appeals, phonathons, senior class gifts and year-end mailings. Work closely with other staff, students and volunteers to accomplish fund raising objectives. Maintains a portfolio of primary prospects and develops appropriate cultivation and closure strategies for them, including working with volunteers as appropriate. Moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure of gifts, making solicitations when appropriate. Maintains consistent and effective stewardship contacts with donors. Maintains timely reports in Raiser’s Edge system.
• Special Events – Assist in coordinating, planning, scheduling, and arranging volunteers for both on and off campus events relating to alumni or related to the annual fund. Assist with the organization and implementation of such special events as homecoming, regional alumni gatherings, reunions, scholarship luncheons and recognition dinners.
• Board Involvement – Serve as the University’s liaison and advisor to the Founders Council. Support the activities of the Council. Actively work to identify, develop, and recruit prospective members on a continual basis.
• Programming –
• Have the primary responsibility for the planning, coordination and carrying out of the University’s phonathon program.
• Identify ways to continue to expand and improve the annual giving program, including the identification of new potential donors.
• Community – Represent the University at various community events both on and off campus, including Chamber of Commerce activities, local symposiums, receptions, etc.
• Miscellaneous – Perform and assist with other functions of the Advancement Office, to include the Annual Report, President’s Society Reception, Endowed Scholarship Luncheon, and other donor recognition events. Participate in departmental planning for both short- and long-term strategies/goals, including budget preparation.
  

The Candidate Must

• At a minimum, have a bachelor's degree (required).
• Possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have three to five years of experience in alumni relations, annual fund, or similar constituent outreach program.
• Have imagination, integrity, and the ability to work in a team management environment.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Show evidence of leadership, planning and organization skills.
• Have knowledge of working with volunteers. Experience working with volunteer boards helpful.
• Be familiar with constituent management databases. Raiser’s Edge database experience is preferred.
• Be able to understand and follow the Advancement Office’s policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Be highly self-motivated.