Director of Annual Giving

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Job Description

BASIC FUNCTION:           

This Director of Annual Giving reports to the Director of Advancement Services and will be responsible for the planning, management, and growth of annual gifts through direct mail, TeleCenter, and electronic solicitation.  Utilizing both participation and upgrade methodologies, the Director of Annual Giving will build strategies for acquiring new donors, with a special emphasis on increasing alumni donors, as well as upgrading and retaining current donors, coordinating the year round acquisition and cultivation program. 

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:   Telecenter

NATURE AND SCOPE:    

Internal contacts include sr. vice president, associate vice president, assistant vice presidents, executives, administrators, faculty, students and staff from a variety of administrative units.  External contacts include alumni, corporations, foundations, non-degree holding donors.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manages staff who oversee the daily operations of the Howard University Tele-Center, including but not limited to tracking of Tele-Center pledges and organizing data pertinent to various requested reports.
• Provides support to various stakeholders that are using the University’s crowdfunding platform, through setup and reporting.
• Analyzes data and prepares final reports, recommendations and other information resources for the improvement of the direct mail, online, and telephone solicitation programs, both tactically and strategically, especially as it relates to program segmentation.

• Analyzes data and prepares final reports, recommendations and other information resources for the improvement of the direct mail, online, and telephone solicitation programs, both tactically and strategically, especially as it relates to program segmentation accurate campaign execution.  Supports preparation of annual revenue and expense targets, and manages spending to stay within budget.

• Perform other related duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Exceptional communication skills to include effective and persuasive writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ready to represent the vice president to low-dollar alumni donors and organizations.
• An excellent understanding of the laws of charitable giving is preferred.
• Experience working with program leadership in a capital or comprehensive campaign.
• Proven success in moving donors to making larger gifts.
• Personal and professional commitment to the campaign goals.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work autonomously.
• Demonstrated consistent and positive communication with supervisors, colleagues, and donors.
• Experience in a complex and multi-faceted organizational environment
• Professional demeanor and collaborative style. Careful attention to detail.
• Experience utilizing fundraising database program (experience with Raiser’s Edge highly preferred).
• Effectively utilize the University’s prospect management system to record prospect/donor activity and other relevant data in a timely fashion

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business/Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• 3 years of relevant experience or the equivalent combination of (5) years combined relevant education and experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising CRM (Raiser’s Edge preferred) 
• Experience with fundraising and donor engagement platforms such as Signal by EverTrue, GiveCampus and ThankView 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and interest in AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot 
• Experience in telemarketing and institutional fundraising, highly desired.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $115,000.00-$125,000.00