Assistant Director, Annual Giving - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an Assistant Director, Annual Giving to join their University Advancement division. This role will focus on compiling and ensuring the accuracy of data for various solicitations and program reporting. The position will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance data analysis and support fundraising strategies. The Assistant Director will manage internal data segmentation tools, identify opportunities for AI-enabled automation, coordinate data needs, manage solicitation project timelines, monitor data integrity, and analyze past and current efforts to increase donations. They will also track real-time fundraising results, stay current on university initiatives, and network with relevant stakeholders. Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities for this role, requiring effective interaction with diverse internal and external partners while maintaining high integrity and supporting the university's mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required
One to three years of annual fund or related experience
Prior experience with a university and/or non-profit donor retention program preferred
Prior experience with Salesforce is ideal
Knowledge of the principles of fundraising, donor acquisition and donor retention
Familiarity with and comfort working within Salesforce or similar database
Ability to interact effectively within the University Advancement division, as well as with other members of the campus community and external constituents
Ability to handle confidential donor information and make good decisions regarding use of such information
Ability to communicate with prospects/donors in an appropriate manner in written, oral, and personal communication
Ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals
Ability to work under pressure and with frequent interruptions; meet deadlines
Ability to pay close attention to detail
Ability to keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records
Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Experience using AI-powered tools and technologies to support Annual Giving operations, including data analysis, audience segmentation, and workflow automation
Effective organization skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
CMU is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with a university and/or non-profit donor retention program preferred
Prior experience with Salesforce is ideal

Responsibilities

Compiling and ensuring the accuracy of data for audience segmentation for direct mail, email and other solicitations, as well as for program reporting and analysis.
Managing and analyzing donor data to develop strategies and tactics to increase gifts.
Leveraging emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to enhance data analysis, improve operational efficiency and support data-informed annual giving fundraising strategies.
Overseeing and managing Annual Giving’s internal data segmentation tools – Advance and Salesforce – including actual data extracts and review of data for accuracy.
Identifying opportunities to streamline workflows through AI-enabled automation and process improvements; collaborating with colleagues to pilot, implement, and refine new technologies that enhance team productivity.
Coordinating with team members to support Annual Giving data needs as required.
Working with Executive Director to maintain and adapt all key solicitation project timelines based on donor response and team needs.
Monitoring data for integrity of information, working collaboratively with departments across the university to ensure proper categorization of donor records.
Collaborating with the Information Systems team to maintain database functionality and accurate data pulls and report results.
Analyzing past and current efforts to develop strategies and tactics to increase donations; tracks fundraising implementation plan progress and final results.
Tracking real-time results of ongoing events like Giving Tuesday and other giving events.
Keeping current on programs, faculty, research, and student initiatives at the university.
Networking with faculty, deans, advancement staff and college liaisons when necessary.
Other duties as assigned.