Assistant Director of Development - Annual Gifts

The SAU division of Advancement seeks a dynamic and results-oriented individual to join the team as the Assistant Director of Development – Annual Giving. This position plays a pivotal role in driving the success of institutional fundraising efforts by implementing strategies to recruit, retain, and grow donors. The Assistant Director will work closely with the development team and collaborate with various departments to ensure the achievement of fundraising goals.

Duties: Design and manage an integrated multi-channel marketing strategy of outbound programs (Direct mail, email, text messaging, crowdfunding, social media, giving days, etc.) and inbound programs (websites, giving forms) that engage donors through multiple marketing channels; manage the use of digital marketing (email, websites, social media, text messaging, crowdfunding) and analytics (predictive modeling, social media data mining) to improve donors segmentation and messaging to enhance the overall donor experience; track annual giving programs progress against measurable outcomes, analyze results, and formulate methods for improvement; increase participation, retention, and revenue to attain the annual fundraising goals; coordinate the faculty/staff annual giving campaign; plan and oversee #Giving Tuesday, SAU’s Giving Day, National Philanthropy Day, and other events; plan and execute events and engagement activities to recruit and cultivate annual donors coordinating all logistics to ensure a positive experience; expand the current young alumni giving program to recruit and retain donors to the University; manage, develop, and implementation of the student philanthropy program that increases the awareness of current students on the importance of giving before they become alumni; promote the awareness of corporate matching gift programs; manage and increase the awareness of corporate matching gift programs; manage and increase the awareness of crowdfunding to the University’s students, faculty, and staff; work with campus partners (Athletics, Alumni Association, Academic Units) to ensure personal and consistent messaging and positive donor experiences; represent SAU at appropriate functions (on and off campus); attend appropriate conferences and meetings; research and stay up-to-date on trends in higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy; suggest new initiatives and/or improvements to improve SAU annual giving outcomes; contribute to the overall success of the Division of Advancement by working on special projects performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in progress; enthusiasm for fundraising and the mission of SAU; fundraising experience, accounting experience, and/or related experience in communications and marketing required; proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (especially Word, Excel, & PowerPoint; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other Donor Management Software; ability to effectively interface with constituents in a university environment (faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni, and parents); excellent verbal and written communication skills; collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively as a part of a team, including independently; positive track record in managing and motivating volunteers; organizational skills, detailed oriented, and must have strong ability and desire to multitask and meet deadlines; outstanding skills and background in customer service and outreach expected; self-motivated with the ability to work under limited supervision and create new strategies to achieve fundraising goals; practical knowledge of annual giving operations and an understanding of what it takes to expand donor and prospect participation expected; experience with marketing and/or creative design; willingness and ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends, as required. All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement.

Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information of three (3) references to View email address on us.fitly.work or The Office of Human Resources, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9288, Magnolia, AR 71753. AA/EOE/ Non-listed references may be contacted.