Director of Annual Giving

Job Title: Director of Annual Giving

Reporting Relationship: Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

Unit: Central Administration

Department: University Advancement - Central Administration

Campus Location: John Wesley Administration Building, Marion, IN 

Summary of Position:    The Director of Annual Giving will direct and manage University Advancement Annual Giving donor engagement efforts seeking to move donors to increased levels of participation.

NOTE: Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references to search@gonsergerber.com.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-range annual giving plans, setting goals and objectives in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan to steadily improve revenue, donor acquisition, alumni participation, and donor retention. Conduct ongoing evaluations, identifying and recommending adjustments to enhance these results
• Oversee the creation and implementation of all annual giving appeals, supervising the development, production, and distribution of related materials 
• Design and lead a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving program utilizing direct mail, phone, reunion giving, parent giving, giving days, phonathon-style initiatives, and web-based engagement 
• Guide segmentation, messaging, and stewardship strategies to strengthen donor retention, encourage re-engagement, and drive upgrades in giving levels 
• Promote a culture of philanthropy by engaging staff, faculty, students, and alumni in giving initiatives and donor education 
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to communicate compelling donor engagement stories that highlight the role of alumni, parents, and grandparents in supporting IWU students 
• Develop and execute strategies to drive participation and broaden support, including giving society membership growth and faculty, staff, and employee giving 
• Collaborate with the Development team to support pipeline building and identify major gift prospects for referral and cultivation. May assume responsibility for a portfolio of up to 30 leadership-level annual donors, depending on program needs 
• May assume responsibility for overseeing support staff as the program expands and operational needs increase 
• Manage a reporting system that provides regular analysis of annual giving effectiveness on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis 
• Ensure timely, personalized donor acknowledgment and annual giving stewardship processes 
• Maintain accurate donor records and prospect activity within the University’s CRM system 
• Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality; maintain a positive image with constituents and the university community while demonstrating a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU 
• Manage the Annual Giving budget 
• Complete other tasks as assigned 

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s preferred

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years Annual Giving or equivalent marketing experience

Required Skills

• Knowledge
  • Principles of fundraising, donor acquisition, and donor retention
  • Annual giving strategies, including campaign planning and fundraising event management
  • Donor communications, stewardship, and constituent engagement practices
  • Data analytics and fundraising metrics
• Essential Skills and Characteristics
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ownership mentality with the ability to work independently and see tasks through to completion
  • Capacity to prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
  • Strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and keen attention to detail
  • Familiarity with data analytics and fundraising metrics
• Special Requirements
  • Availability to attend evening and weekend events
• Location
  • Position is on-site at the Marion, IN campus
• To Apply
  • Nominations and applications will be accepted until the pos