Executive Director of Annual Giving and Donor Engagement

Executive Director of Annual Giving and Donor Engagement About the Company Mission-driven private university Industry Higher Education Type Educational Institution About the Role The Company is in search of an Executive Director of Annual Giving and Donor Engagement to lead the design and execution of a comprehensive annual giving strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving donor participation, engagement, and philanthropic revenue across various constituencies. This pivotal role requires a hands-on leader with a strategic and data-informed approach to campaign planning, channel strategy, and donor experience. Key responsibilities include leading multi-channel annual giving campaigns, analyzing performance data, and implementing innovative approaches to donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade. The Executive Director will also be involved in shaping the future of annual philanthropy, providing strategic input on campaign design, and building infrastructure to support the growth of annual giving programs. Applicants for the Executive Director position at the company should have a Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) and a minimum of 4-5 years' of experience in annual giving or related fundraising functions. A strong analytical orientation, experience in managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and excellent communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate will have a collaborative, team-focused mindset and be willing to be hands-on and adaptable. While experience in higher education advancement is preferred, candidates from other nonprofit sectors will be considered. Familiarity with fundraising and engagement platforms is helpful, and the ability to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and propose new ideas grounded in data and donor behavior is a key requirement. Hiring Manager Title Senior Vice President for University Advancement Travel Percent Less than 10% Functions Education/Academic Administration Non-Profit Management