Associate Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Administrator: Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving and Donor Relations

Education Required: Baccalaureate degree in a related field.

Required Experience: 5+ years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit setting.

Preferred Experience: 2+ years of experience in annual giving and digital fundraising.

Overtime Status: Exempt, not eligible for overtime

FTE and Benefits: 1.0 FTE, eligible for full employment benefits

Preferred Start Date: August 1, 2026

Location: Onsite in Bozeman, MT; hybrid opportunities may be available based on performance.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations (Associate Director) of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (Alumni Foundation) reports to the Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving and Donor Relations and serves as a strategic leader in strengthening donor relationships and elevating stewardship practices across the Alumni Foundation and campus partners. Through collaborative, data-informed, and mission-driven work, the Associate Director ensures donors at every level are engaged, recognized, and inspired to deepen their commitment to Montana State University (MSU).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage stewardship programs Blue and Gold Forever and President's Circle, continuously evaluating giving society structure, benefits, and recognition tiers to ensure they remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals.
2. Oversee the first-time donor experience, implementing targeted strategies to improve second-gift conversion and strengthen donor retention.
3. Partner with the Annual Giving team and cross-functional departments to develop and execute fundraising campaigns and email appeals, overseeing timelines, creative outreach, and resources to engage donors and advance high-priority campus initiatives.
4. Lead the strategy and execution of Giving Tuesday, coordinating cross-functional efforts to maximize donor participation and campaign impact.
5. Collaborate with Alumni Engagement and campus partners on donor engagement strategies, including Can the Griz campaigns, to activate alumni participation, leverage high-visibility campus moments to inspire giving, and strengthen alumni connection.
6. Conduct donor experience and demographic research to track and analyze giving trends, translating insights into actionable strategies that inform organizational priorities and drive fundraising growth.
7. Oversee the Alumni Foundation's online giving presence, maintaining giving pages and website links across Alumni Foundation and MSU platforms while serving as a resource for campus colleagues managing their own giving pages.
8. Spearhead the Alumni Wall Calendar in collaboration with the Communications team, overseeing production and conducting annual assessments to evaluate effectiveness, enhance efficiency, and increase revenue.
9. Advance the Alumni Foundation's mission by supporting integrated annual giving efforts across key constituent groups, including reunions, retirees, faculty, staff, parents, and athletics, to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of private support for Montana State University.
10. Operate with a high degree of independence, sound judgment, and strict confidentiality while modeling and promoting a collaborative, positive, performance-driven work environment grounded in professionalism, proactive problem-solving, and a high standard of ethics.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Exceptional customer service skills and a genuine commitment to donor experience.
2. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally across written, verbal, and in-person settings.
3. Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including development officers, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders.
4. Detail-oriented with strong time and project management skills as well as the ability to maintain accurate and detailed reports.
5. Proficient in a range of software applications, including MS Office, Raiser's Edge, and web-based platforms, with the ability to adapt quickly to new technology.
6. Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions and recommendations.
7. A commitment to contributing to a mission-driven fundraising operation and making a lasting impact within the annual giving team. Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

BENEFITS:

The MSU Alumni Foundation offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage), 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution after 1-yr anniversary, up to 5 weeks paid time-off, 11 paid holidays, tuition assistance and more.

APPLICATIONS AND RECRUITMENT:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references online. Recruitment will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.