Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement

Methodist University; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC seeks a Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement to lead a comprehensive annual giving program and integrate digital strategies to boost donor participation and retention.

The role oversees direct mail, senior class gifts, and leadership annual giving, uses data analytics and marketing automation to improve outcomes, and collaborates with the Advancement team to cultivate major prospects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Three to five years in annual fund, alumni relations, or digital fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to lead and plan.
• Experience with donor databases, Raiser’s Edge preferred, familiarity with analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-channel annual giving strategy.
• Lead digital fundraising efforts, including email campaigns and online giving.
• Oversee Founders Council coordination, events, and donor stewardship.
• Maintain accurate reporting in donor databases and measure campaign performance.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Planning

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

JOB SUMMARYReporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement provides strategic leadership for Methodist University’s comprehensive annual giving program while integrating digital engagement strategies to expand donor participation, retention, and philanthropic growth.This position oversees the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all annual fund initiatives, including direct mail, faculty and staff giving, senior class gifts, year-end appeals, and leadership annual giving efforts, while incorporating data-driven digital marketing strategies, segmentation, automation, and analytics to enhance donor experience and performance outcomes.The Director plays a central role in building a culture of philanthropy that advances student success and strengthens the University’s long-term donor pipeline.Works closely with departmental staff for all activities involving the Founders Council, including its annual golf and tennis events. Duties include volunteer and event coordination, publicity, and mailings.In coordination with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement is responsible for all other Annual Fund appeals, including direct mail and annual appeals, and other campaigns. The director is responsible for identifying and engaging volunteer and donor prospects, writing appeal letters, and analyzing campaign results to increase annual funding for the University.Visits, calls, and cultivates existing and prospective donor portfolio as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional AdvancementAssists with all other Advancement duties as assigned.CORE RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Annual Giving LeadershipDevelop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving strategy aligned with institutional priorities.Manage all annual fund solicitations, including direct mail, digital campaigns, senior class gifts, faculty/staff giving, and annual appeals.Identify opportunities to expand and innovate the annual giving program through digital tools, and emerging best practices.Analyze campaign performance and give trends to inform strategy and improve participation and revenue outcomes.Digital Engagement & Marketing IntegrationLead digital fundraising efforts including email campaigns, online giving initiatives, social media fundraising, and targeted digital appeals.Utilize audience segmentation, automation, and analytics to personalize donor communications and optimize donor journeys.Collaborate closely with Marketing & Communications to ensure cohesive messaging, brand alignment, and integrated campaign execution.Monitor digital engagement metrics and conversion rates to increase online giving and donor retention.Donor Cultivation & Portfolio ManagementMaintain a portfolio of primary annual giving and leadership-level prospects.Develop identification, cultivation and solicitation strategies that move donors toward increased engagement and giving levels.Make solicitations and steward donors in a timely and strategic manner.Maintain accurate and timely reporting in the Raiser’s Edge system.Founders Council & Volunteer LeadershipServe as University liaison and advisor to the Founders Council.Oversee recruitment, solicitation, orientation, and engagement of Council members.Coordinate Founders Council board meetings and strategic initiatives.Lead collaboration with staff and volunteers for the annual golf and tennis events.Identify and recruit prospective volunteer leaders to support annual giving growth.Events & Engagement ProgrammingAssist in coordinating alumni and annual fund-related events, including Homecoming, regional gatherings, reunions, scholarship luncheons, and recognition dinners.Support volunteer coordination and donor engagement activities both on and off campus.Host on-campus donor visits and assist with stewardship experiences that deepen long-term philanthropic relationships.Community RepresentationRepresent the University at community and civic events, including Chamber of Commerce activities, symposiums, receptions, and other outreach opportunities.Advancement Office CollaborationAssist with Advancement initiatives, including the Annual Report, Endowed Scholarship Luncheon, Homecoming, President’s Society Reception and other donor recognition events.Participate in departmental planning, goal setting, and budget preparation.Contribute to short- and long-term advancement strategy development, including campaign readiness and pipeline growth.Project management and organizational leadership.The candidate must:Possess a bachelor’s degree (required). Masters degree preferred.Have three to five years of experience in annual fund, alumni relations, digital fundraising, or similar constituent outreach programs.Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.Show evidence of leadership, planning, and organizational ability.Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.Be familiar with constituent management databases; Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.Have knowledge of working with volunteers and volunteer boards.Demonstrate strong understanding of digital engagement tools, segmentation, and analytics.Exhibit imagination, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.Be highly self-motivated and able to follow Advancement Office policies and procedures.