Annual Giving Manager

University of Wisconsin Stout•River Falls, WI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our dynamic University Advancement team at UW-River Falls where you will make a positive impact each day for a respected public regional university. As a key team member, you’ll develop implement, and monitor the UW-River Falls annual giving campaign and corresponding events, leveraging and updating research-based methodology to increase donor contributions, with an emphasis on donor acquisition, reacquisition and retention. Beyond annual giving responsibilities, you will on occasion be called upon to develop content for major and planned giving gift initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
A minimum two years of full-time post bachelor’s degree employment in an area such as fundraising, marketing, sales, public relations, communications, or customer service.
Strong marketing and communications skills.
Highly effective writing ability for multiple audiences and channels, including social media.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and to accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
Proficient in computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Strong interpersonal skills, both in person and via phone, to handle sensitive and confidential information and/or situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
Possess a positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
Some evenings and weekends required for attending donor and/or alumni events.

Nice To Haves

Two plus years of experience in managing an annual giving program that employs direct mail, marketing communications, social media, and other multi-channel strategies.
Higher education work experience.
Experience using fundraising software and mass communication platforms such as Constant Contact, Blackbaud Raisers Edge, and crowdfunding.
Knowledge of and experience using AI to optimize work output.
A strong connection to UW-River Falls.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an annual giving business plan each year including budget requirements.
Plan and direct a multi-channel annual giving program.
Monitor and adjust goals and strategies to ensure annual goal attainment.
Develop and implement effective marketing communication strategies for integrated direct mail, online and social media campaigns, set goals and develop other solicitation tactics (i.e. matching gifts, e-solicitations).
Ensure that all components of the annual giving program are integrated and messaged across all channels to optimize response and long-term impact of annual appeals.
Develop and lead UWRF’s annual giving days initiative, creating a goals-driven strategic plan and accompanying marketing communications strategies to encourage campus, alumni and donor support for the focused fundraising effort.
Set and achieve established goals for funds raised, donor participation rate and donor retention.
Work closely and meet regularly with development staff to review annual giving progress, discuss strategies, and share ideas for improvement of results with particular emphasis placed on developing personalized solicitation plans for Chancellor Circle ($1,000+) level donors to ensure their continued and increasing levels of annual support.
Partner with the stewardship coordinator on strategies to ensure appropriate stewardship and recognition of annual donors.
Identify opportunities for new programs to increase donor contributions and serve as a subject matter expert on annual giving strategies.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Develops and schedules operational work plans for unit programs and events in support of strategic plan
Identifies opportunities for new programs and events to increase donor contributions, and serves as a subject matter on annual giving strategies
Evaluates existing donor strategy and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement
Assists with implementing the unit personnel resource allocation plan including hiring, training, supervision, and resolution of non-routine personnel issues to ensure that work culture is customer service-oriented, productive, valuing of diversity, and fosters employee engagement and development
Plans and directs staff implementation of the annual giving campaign and corresponding special events