Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Events

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Events primary responsibility is the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program that supports the college’s scholarship and operating budgets. The candidate will coordinate a matrix of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone, personal visitation, and volunteer engagement, all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of annual support. Will work with Executive Director of Development for gift management and alumni engagement in an effort to foster growth of best practices in these areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, design and monitor an annual giving budget and solicitation plan for the Annual Giving program including direct mail, telephone constituency engagement, email, giving challenges, and other digital strategies including implementation of and follow-up for the program.
• Manage a prospect portfolio with annual goals for personal visits and giving outcomes.
• Focus on effective communication and solicitation activities within specific constituency segments identified as having potential for the greatest growth.
• Manage the faculty/staff campaign and student giving programs with guidance from the Executive Director for Development and Alumni Relations.
• Collaborate with other Development staff to ensure the coordination of fundraising efforts and make recommendations for movement of assigned donors to major gift and planned gift strategies.
• Works closely with Communication and Marketing staff on matters relating to website and social media for annual giving and alumni events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

ALUMNI EVENTS

• Plan and coordinate the College Reunion Weekend. Supervise all events, recruit and work with class leaders, and maintain frequent contact to ensure attendance, class giving, and participation in Reunion Weekend events.
• Organize reunion and affinity reunion groups for planned celebrations throughout the year as appropriate with special attention given to the 25th and other 5-year reunions.
• Works closely with Communication and Marketing staff on matters relating to website, social media, publications for alumni events.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Senior Class, working with them to introduce alumni giving, and instill alumni traditions such as a class doll, class song, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 plus years of successful annual giving experience preferred, in a higher education setting.
• Experience collaborating with diverse donors, prospects, and volunteer groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices associated with fundraising in higher education including personal solicitation, direct mail, telephone solicitations, e-solicitations and on-line giving.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment to achieve common goals.
• Ability to provide direction and motivation to others through communication, modeling appropriate behavior, optimism, and high achievement.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the development and completion of activities for volunteers and supporters including meeting and event planning, publicity, direct mail, printing, and design.
• The ability to initiate relationships and work well with a variety of ages and personalities and to motivate and encourage individuals through personal interaction, correspondence, and public speaking.
• Strong computer and analytical skills are required along with excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills. Expertise in Microsoft Office programs and giving software preferred.
• Time management, the ability to prioritize and excellent record-keeping abilities.
• Creativity in developing messages and strategies to attract increased participation in annual giving.
• Access to sensitive materials requires a high degree of discretion, integrity, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends and to undertake overnight travel as needed.