Annual Giving Strategy Director

Clarkson University; Village of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, seeks a Director of Annual Giving to provide strategic leadership for all annual giving programs. You will oversee gifts from alumni, parents, and friends, lead the Clarkson Fund strategy, and manage prospect pipelines with data accuracy across the gift cycle.

The role involves portfolio management, cross-functional collaboration with DAR leadership, and national travel to cultivate donors.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree required.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education or related field
• Experience: 6-8 years in Higher Education
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to define and adhere to budgets and travel (10–15%)

Responsibilities

• Lead annual giving strategies and donor stewardship.
• Manage Clarkson Fund portfolio and fundraising programs.
• Travel nationally to cultivate and solicit donors (10–15%).
• Collaborate with AVP and Research for prospect management and reporting.
• Oversee data accuracy throughout the gift cycle.

Skills

Independent thinking

Project management

Budget management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s Degree in Higher Education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Client management software

Databases

Online giving platforms

Job description

Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, seeks a Director of Annual Giving to provide strategic leadership for all annual giving programs. You will oversee gifts from alumni, parents, and friends, lead the Clarkson Fund strategy, and manage prospect pipelines with data accuracy across the gift cycle.

The role involves portfolio management, cross-functional collaboration with DAR leadership, and national travel to cultivate donors.