Director of Annual Giving

Trine University - Fort Wayne; Angola (IN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance options

Long Term Disability insurance

Paid vacation and sick time

Retirement contributions

Education benefits for employees and dependents

Job summary

An educational institution in Indiana is seeking a Director of Annual Giving to manage and enhance its annual giving program. The role includes engaging donors, implementing innovative fundraising strategies, and working closely with various teams to achieve fundraising goals. A bachelor's degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience in fundraising are required. Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in annual giving, development, or fundraising.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments is preferred.
• Proven ability to build and sustain donor relationships and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and using metrics to guide fundraising decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a multi-channel annual giving program.
• Conduct personal visits and direct appeals to secure contributions.
• Identify and deploy new tools to increase philanthropic support.
• Analyze giving activities using data and metrics.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team for donor engagement.
• Lead special fundraising campaigns.
• Oversee guidance to the Parents Association.
• Assist in planning university events for donor recognition.

Skills

Fundraising tactics and strategies

Relationship building

Data analysis proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Campaign management

Program leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Director of Annual Giving provides strategic leadership for the development, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive, year-round annual giving program. Reporting to the Vice President for Development, the Director is responsible for engaging and expanding a community of annual donors, with a focus on qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding their contributions. The Director will leverage data-driven insights and metrics to regularly assess and enhance fundraising initiatives. This role requires travel for in-person donor visits and event participation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Fundraising Planning: Design and implement a multi-channel annual giving program, integrating direct mail, email, social media, website content, crowd‑funding, phone outreach, and personal appeals to achieve annual fundraising goals.
• Donor Engagement: Conduct personal visits and make direct appeals to secure contributions, with a target of no less than 100 personal visits annually.
• Innovative Fundraising: Identify and deploy new tools, methodologies, and channels to engage potential donors and increase philanthropic support.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Establish a system for regular analysis of annual giving activities using data and key performance metrics to measure success and identify areas for growth.
• Collaborative Fundraising Efforts: Work closely with the Advancement team and other departments on campus to strategically solicit donors and guide them through the donor‑engagement continuum. Lead employee giving initiatives.
• Campaign Management: Lead and coordinate special fundraising campaigns, including giving days and other targeted initiatives.
• Program Leadership: Oversee and provide guidance to the Parents Association and the newly formed Parents Board, ensuring alignment with annual giving goals.
• Event Support: Assist in the planning and execution of key university events, such as Homecoming, the Touchstone Dinner, Scholarship Gala, Alumni and Friends Golf Outing, and other fundraising events to drive donor engagement and recognition.
• Additional Duties: Perform other relevant duties as assigned to support the overall mission and strategic goals of the Alumni and Development office.

Education and/or Experience

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience in annual giving, development, or fundraising, preferably in higher education or nonprofit environments.

• In-depth knowledge of annual giving tactics and strategies.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of metrics to guide fundraising decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team.

Trine University offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Some benefits offered include:

• Life Insurance – a variety of voluntary life options are available along with an employer‑paid employee life policy valued at 1½ times annual salary.
• Financial Insurance – employer‑paid Long Term Disability and voluntary Short‑Term Disability, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness options are available.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Retirement – after one year of full‑time service you are eligible for an employer contribution of 5% and up to an additional 5% employer match.
• Education – after 6 months of full‑time service, undergraduate education benefits are available for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Trine University is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, unless such basis constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification. Trine will comply with its legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs.