Associate Director of Annual Giving

Chatham University•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•$46,100 - $52,400

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director for Alumni and Donor Engagement, the Associate Director of Annual Giving provides strategic direction and leadership for all annual fundraising and is responsible for meeting dollar, participation, and donor acquisition goals for unrestricted operating support. The Associate Director of Annual Giving manages all aspects of Chatham’s Annual Giving program, including the Annual Fund, Student Engagement Program, Homecoming Reunion Giving, Day of Giving, and special crowdfunding initiatives. In addition, the Associate Director creates and executes a donor acquisition plan to expand Chatham’s annual giving donor base and maximize support. The Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing a robust plan to increase annual giving from alumni and non-alumni constituencies, including faculty and staff, parents, athletics prospects, campus neighbors, vendors, and others. In addition, the Associate Director will plan, design, coordinate, and execute innovative appeal solicitations for all annual giving segments. S/he will work closely with University Advancement leadership to plan and execute initiatives and analyze annual giving results; work closely with the Communications team to integrate social media engagement strategies and solicitation strategies; work effectively with campus partners; and prepare reports for donors, volunteers, and senior leadership. S/he will work to maximize leadership annual fund support and reunion giving through strategic management of a high volume, fluid portfolio of donors. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in annual fundraising, preferably in higher education, with evidence of success in achieving annual dollar and acquisition goals. Excellent communication skills, annual giving marketing experience, bachelor’s degree, and strong work ethic are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
At least two years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors in order to develop and strengthen their relationships with the University.
Proven strength in interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
Experience in successfully managing multiple, fast-paced projects independently.
Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
Committed to working with diverse colleagues, students, and community members.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
Ability to travel outside of the Pittsburgh region 3-5 times per year.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when required for special alumni and donor events or travel.

Nice To Haves

Previous fundraising, higher education, and/or nonprofit and project management experience.
Previous experience mobilizing and motivating volunteers.
Familiarity working with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Constant Contact, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Responsibilities

Achieve annual goals for unrestricted giving and alumni participation in annual giving programs.
Develop and execute a donor acquisition plan to expand Chatham’s annual giving donor base and maximize leadership annual giving support.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of annual giving cycles, segmentation strategies, donors, and financial results.
Develop and monitor the annual giving calendar of appeals and events and manage the annual giving program budget.
Work with the Senior Director to determine annual goals, to regularly monitor revenue and cash flow projections, to manage a work plan, and to measure the effectiveness of annual fundraising efforts by agreed-upon metrics.
Ensure that deadlines and benchmarks are met.
Work closely with Advancement’s Donor Services team to understand and provide monthly reporting.
Develop a working knowledge of the University’s alumni/donor database (Virtuous).
Utilize data to set benchmarks for monitoring progress and to develop strategies to meet challenges and maximize opportunities.
Plan, direct, and manage all aspects of the University’s annual fundraising program for alumni, friends, parents, athletics, neighbors, vendors, trustees, and the campus community to meet annual fundraising goals and to increase the participation of all constituencies.
Initiate and manage new programs to broaden the scope and impact of Annual Giving within the framework of limited resources.
Help create and implement a robust and innovative marketing plan to promote and strengthen annual, unrestricted giving to Chatham.
Create fundraising materials for current and prospective annual donors, including but not limited to letters, emails, newsletters, crowdfunding projects, proposals, PowerPoint presentations, and reports.
Serve as the creative force behind Annual Giving themes, appeals, follow-up strategies and reports.
Contribute to University publications to ensure maximum visibility for Annual Giving efforts.
Contribute to the overall efforts of the University Advancement team through prospect identification, alumnae cultivation and stewardship, and staffing at UA events.
Through the strategic management of a high volume, fluid portfolio of prospects, identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new prospects, promoting annual unrestricted giving at and above the 1869 Society level ($1K+), and qualify prospects who can become $25,000+ donors to reassign to the major gifts team.