Associate Director of Annual Giving, Solicitation Strategy

Description

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Annual Giving, Solicitation Strategy, is a gifted copywriter, strategic thinker, and relationship builder who will use these skills to drive annual philanthropic support for Colorado State University Foundation. As a key part of an Annual Giving team pursuing ambitious fundraising metrics and an annual increase in broad donor engagement, the Associate Director will lead and execute the central direct marketing strategy for the CSU Foundation while leveraging partnerships to increase college and unit pipeline health. The Associate Director is responsible for the management and execution of a comprehensive annual direct mail program, while also serving as the messaging and creative lead for major Annual Giving initiatives including Giving Days. In this role, the Associate Director will be data-informed and metrics-driven, providing expertise and recommendations on audience development and segmentation strategy. With a steadfast belief in the power of storytelling, a curiosity-driven approach to understanding donors, and a commitment to thoughtful use of technology, the Associate Director will understand how to create authentic fundraising narratives that can engage audiences of all sizes. The Associate Director will serve as a key partner to colleges and units for planning and management of current and future solicitations, including supervision of the Annual Giving Solicitations Manager.

Position Information

• Position Title: Associate Director, Annual Giving Solicitation Strategy
• Organization Name: Colorado State University Foundation
• Employment Type: Full-time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Priority Consideration Date: 10/18/2026
• Location: Fort Collins
• Salary Range: $75,000 – $90,000 annually

Organizational Overview

Located in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado State University is a premier land-grant university with world-class programs in education, outreach, and research. CSU has a student body of over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, 258,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures exceeding $498 million.

The Colorado State University Foundation is in the midst of exciting growth as the University Advancement division of CSU transitions to the Foundation. This merger will allow us to more effectively serve our donors, alumni, and stakeholders with a unified structure, strengthen accountability, and build the capacity to scale our fundraising enterprise. With one of the leading development teams in the country, we most recently achieved our highest fundraising year to date in 2025.

The Colorado State University Foundation Annual Giving team is a cornerstone central fundraising unit that builds the base of the fundraising pipeline with diverse, loyal, and connected donors, benefiting every college and area across campus. Providing multiple entry points to giving, from student-led phon-a-thon to direct mail to crowdfunding to frontline leadership-level fundraising to our marquee giving day, Rams Rise, Annual Giving meets donors where they are. We help donors of all ages and stages build a meaningful and lifelong philanthropic relationship with Colorado State University and celebrate the ways they feel connected to CSU’s land-grant mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads execution of central annual giving direct marketing projects, including comprehensive direct mail program, multi-channel solicitation initiatives, and cross-functional team efforts.
• Analyses data, synthesizes industry best practices, and identifies gaps and opportunities to set strategy for key audiences and segments.
• Manages direct mail vendor(s) and annual direct mail budget of ~$200,000.
• Hires, trains, and manages the performance of one full-time employee, including setting goals and providing regular feedback.
• Establishes and maintains scope of work with limited direction, including identifying opportunities for shared ownership and collaboration with other team members, and responsibility for channel-based metrics.
• Determines and develops messaging strategies that highlight the value and impact of philanthropic giving to Colorado State University and upholds the highest standards of quality for communications pieces.
• Maintains and strengthens relationships with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of Annual Giving to ensure team and organizational priorities are fulfilled, and identify opportunities for collaboration that lead to dollar, donor, and engagement growth.
• Serves as an advocate for the annual donor, providing insight and expertise to partners on when, how, and what types of solicitations are effective and appropriate.
• Contributes actively and positively to a team culture of innovation, mutual support, creativity, and follow-through.
• Embodies the CSU Foundation values of Integrity, People, Innovation, and Advocacy.
• Represents the CSU Foundation and the CSU Alumni Association positively and professionally in all interactions.

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Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by employment start date.
• Minimum four years’ experience in copywriting, marketing, corporate communications, fundraising/nonprofit communications or equivalent role.
• Minimum 1 year of experience supervising professional employees or student interns.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including occasional early mornings, nights and/or weekends, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with direct mail and online giving.
• Expert in creative writing and the art of effective storytelling.
• Accomplished editor and proofreader with a commitment to polished products.
• Experience in higher education fundraising or communications.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative metrics to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt to rapidly changing situations, and to successfully manage multiple complex projects from start to finish.
• Systems thinker energized by working cross-functionally with fundraising, academic, and administrative leaders in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working in a CRM; familiarity with Salesforce products preferred.
• Experience moving between stacked technology, including digital platforms and collaborative workspaces, like Microsoft 365 and Asana.
• Familiarity with Colorado State University colleges, units, and constituents.

We are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and retirement plans; generous paid time off; and a robust Employee Assistance Program.

CSU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship. CSU Foundation employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.