Strategic Director, Donor Engagement & Annual Giving

Divers-Alert-Network; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Divers Alert Network is seeking a Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement to lead the day-to-day operations of the organization’s annual fundraising program at its Durham, NC location.

Reporting to the CFO, you will establish donor engagement strategies, oversee development operations, and coordinate communications across channels to strengthen philanthropic relationships and ensure sustainable donor growth.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in annual giving, donor engagement, or development operations.
• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and relationship management.
• Experience developing and implementing annual fundraising plans.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze fundraising performance and utilize data to improve results.
• Experience utilizing donor database systems and fundraising reporting tools.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Collaborative leadership style across departments.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical fundraising practices.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the annual giving strategy and calendar.
• Set goals, timelines, and performance metrics for fundraising efforts.
• Coordinate donor communications across print, email, and digital channels.
• Lead donor stewardship programs and reporting to leadership and board.
• Oversee development operations and dashboards; ensure data quality.
• Support major donor portfolio research and moves management.
• Organize cultivation events focused on donor education and relationships.
• Collaborate with IT, Marketing, Membership, and Finance to integrate philanthropy.
• Supervise development staff and establish goals and development plans.
• Ensure timely donor research, stewardship, and follow-up activities.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor engagement

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Confidentiality

Donor research

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE designation preferred

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Acumatica

CRM software

Job description

Divers Alert Network is seeking a Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement to lead the day-to-day operations of the organization’s annual fundraising program at its Durham, NC location.

Reporting to the CFO, you will establish donor engagement strategies, oversee development operations, and coordinate communications across channels to strengthen philanthropic relationships and ensure sustainable donor growth.