Director of Annual Giving

Find Great People | FGP; Brevard (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in Western NC is seeking a Director of Annual Giving, Stewardship & Communications to lead fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and advancement communications.

The role focuses on growing philanthropic support among alumni, parents, friends, faculty/staff, and athletics supporters, with responsibilities spanning Day of Giving, stewardship programs, and cross‑department collaboration. This is a full-time, onsite leadership position at a higher education institution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual giving plans to increase donor participation, retention, and revenue.
• Plan and execute the institution's annual Day of Giving with goals, engagement, and analysis.
• Serve as the primary advancement liaison to Athletics and collaborate with coaches on fundraising strategies.
• Design and manage donor communications, including newsletters, appeals, and stewardship reports.
• Manage annual giving budgets, vendors, and project timelines.
• Track fundraising performance, donor engagement metrics, and Day of Giving outcomes.

Skills

Strong writing

Donor communications

Campaign planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Our client in Western NC is looking to hire a Director of Annual Giving, Stewardship & Communications to help lead the institution's annual fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement communications efforts. This role is responsible for growing philanthropic support among alumni, parents, friends, faculty/staff, and athletics supporters through strategic fundraising campaigns, and meaningful donor stewardship. This is a direct hire and fully onsite opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute annual giving plans that increase donor participation, retention, and revenue growth.
• Plan and execute the institution's annual Day of Giving, including fundraising goals, donor engagement strategies, communication plans, and performance analysis.
• Serve as the primary advancement liaison to Athletics.
• Collaborate with coaches and athletics leadership to develop team-based fundraising strategies, sport-specific campaigns, and donor engagement opportunities.
• Design and manage comprehensive stewardship programs that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued support.
• Develop and manage donor-focused communications, including newsletters, fundraising appeals, campaign messaging and stewardship reports.
• Manage annual giving and communications budgets, vendors, and project timelines.
• Track and evaluate fundraising performance, donor engagement metrics, Day of Giving outcomes, and athletics giving results.
• Partner with departments across the College to showcase the impact of philanthropic support.
• Mentor staff, interns, and volunteers while supporting broader advancement initiatives and special events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Experience working in a higher education environment is preferred