Director of Annual Giving
BASIC FUNCTION
The Director of Annual Giving is a full-time position responsible for the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program, which includes nationally focused solicitations and organizational-wide stewardship initiatives as well as chapter-based annual communications as part of the Foundation’s Chapter Development Services (CDS) business. The Director develops a coordinated matrix of communications and solicitations involving email, direct mail, social, phone, personal visitation, and volunteer engagement, all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of annual support.
The Director has a keen appreciation for the significance of annual giving and stewardship as the core components of the greater development and campaign goals of the overall organization. Further, the Director will ensure the Foundation is a leader among peers and aspired organizations as measured externally in terms of total dollars, percentage participation, consistency of giving and average gift size and internally in terms of clean data, ease of access to data and timely donor stewardship.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Determines annual giving goals including those for program areas and chapter specific initiatives.
- Builds strategic and tactical plans for achieving annual giving objectives.
- Focuses on effective communication and solicitation activities within specific market segments identified as having potential for the greatest growth.
- Works effectively with Foundation’s advancement team to gain strong participation in annual giving at all levels and build strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels.
- Oversees Chapter Development Communication Services business including serving as primary point of contact with client groups, developing communication strategies, proposals and plans, generating and editing content including tailored mailings and messages and maintaining a timely production schedule for each client.
- Develops and negotiates chapter focused communications contracts; integrates contract requirements within operations.
- Oversees and executes the communication deliverables that have been contracted with client chapters.
- Executes email marketing for both the Foundation’s Annual Fund and for Chapter Development Services clients. Monitors competition by gathering marketplace information on pricing, offerings, etc.
- Supports the Chapter Development Services team and clients in executing on contracted services that extend beyond the specific communications deliverables.
- Maintains relationships with clients by providing support, information/updates, and guidance; monitors and stays abreast of changes in client organizations and then recommends appropriate improvements to increase overall service offerings to the client.
- Ensures all communication/outreach materials adhere to brand and design guidelines/standards and are reflective of the broader organization and client in tone, content, and design.
- Assist with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the national multi-day giving challenge centered around Founders Day.
- Works with the Foundation staff to develop and implement stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term relationships with donors, their spouses, and families.
- Oversees donor recognition activities including recognition of donor initiations, birthdays, and anniversaries.
- Implements giving societies for select audiences.
- Devises consistent, accurate and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for stewarding prospects and donors.
- Identifies additional opportunities that aid in donor retention, appreciation and ultimately gift upgrade.
- Participates in Foundation events and functions.
INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Vice President of Development. Works closely with all Foundation and Fraternity staff.
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
Has regular contact with the public, clients, and vendors. Is the primary contact for Chapter Development Services communication clients. Will have the opportunity to interface with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and committees.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong self-motivation.
- Positive, winning attitude. Energetic, driven and goal oriented.
- Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft 365 and MailChimp preferred.
- Creativity, curiosity, sense of humor, high energy level and enthusiasm.
- Ability to work independently to drive on-time results.
- Strict attention to detail, precise, organized, and able to manage/prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
- Track record of unquestioned integrity and honesty.
- Superb oral and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills.
- Excellent eye for design including color, visual composition, and typography.
- Capacity to work well under pressure.
- Collegial, collaborative style to promote a positive working environment, and spirit of cooperation.
- Positive reaction to change and ability to maintain a professional, polished demeanor.
- Ability to appropriately and comfortably manage sensitive and confidential high-level donor information.
- Experience in a nonprofit or fundraising organization is a strong advantage.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Willingness and ability to travel, on occasion and only as necessary.
OTHER DUTIES
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
TRAVEL
On occasion, the Director may have the opportunity to travel within the United States to support client events or procure content for communications deliverables and for other Foundation functions.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
POSITION TYPE
The Director of Annual Giving is classified as an exempt position.