Director of Annual Giving

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

Join a mission-driven advancement team shaping the future of philanthropy at Point Loma Nazarene University. As the Director of Annual Giving, you’ll design and lead strategies that inspire generosity, deepen alumni and community engagement, and grow a strong base of annual support for the university’s vision and values. This role blends creativity, analytics, and relationship-building to make a lasting impact.

Salary:
Pay range $78,000 - $90,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Internal Classification: Career Track - Professional, Job Level - 4

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

What We’re Looking For

• Strategic thinker who thrives on developing data-informed fundraising plans.

• Experienced leader with a record of driving donor acquisition and retention.

• Creative storyteller skilled in multi-channel campaign execution.

• Collaborative partner who builds bridges across departments and teams.

• Confident communicator comfortable engaging diverse audiences.

• Analytical mind capable of interpreting donor data to shape strategy.

• Organized project manager able to juggle multiple campaigns and deadlines.

• Mentor who motivates and develops others toward shared goals.

• Innovative professional who embraces new tools and trends in fundraising.

• Passionate advocate for PLNU’s mission and community values.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the strategic vision and implementation of a multi-year annual giving plan.

• Manage integrated campaigns across mail, digital, social, phone, and events.

• Drive participation in signature initiatives such as Green4Gold and year-end appeals.

• Oversee donor segmentation, communication, and data analysis using Raiser’s Edge.

• Collaborate with Marketing to deliver compelling, mission-aligned fundraising materials.

• Supervise and mentor the Leadership Gift Officer to strengthen mid-level giving.

• Partner with Stewardship and Major Gifts teams to enhance donor pipelines.

• Report on campaign performance, insights, and return on investment.

• Foster student and alumni engagement in giving initiatives across campus.

• Represent Advancement at key university events and community activities.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of the university.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Communications, Business, Public Relations, or similar) preferred.

• Five or more years of experience in annual giving, donor engagement, non-profit administration, marketing or other related roles required.

• A track record of success in increasing annual giving support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies.

• Experience in leading goal-oriented teams, managing budgets, and collaborating successfully with a broad range of colleagues.

• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to the needs and interests of varied constituencies.

• Experience in project management.

• Strong analytical skills are required along with excellent writing skills.

• Knowledge of Windows and MS Office (Word and Excel) and Google Suite required.

• Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.

• Experience in higher education preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Must be flexible and adaptable.

• Ability to think critically.

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