Director for Annual Giving

Valparaiso University • Valparaiso, IN

22h

About The Position

The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the strategic development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving program designed to increase donor participation and financial support for the Valpo Fund. This role balances high-level strategy with tactical execution and team leadership. Uniquely, this position serves as a bridge for the donor pipeline, personally managing a portfolio of leadership-level annual donors to identify and transition them toward major gift opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising or sales
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Slate) and data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to articulate Valpo's Lutheran mission and the impact of the Valpo Fund.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Prior experience in pipeline development or managing a gift portfolio is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute a multi-channel annual giving program utilizing direct mail, email, texting, and social media.
• Lead signature fundraising initiatives such as Valpo Day and Giving Tuesday to drive mass participation.
• Utilize data analytics to segment the donor base, optimizing results for alumni participation and donor retention.
• Actively manage a portfolio of 75–100 leadership annual giving prospects ($1,000–$25,000 range).
• Identify "rising star" donors within the annual fund and strategically transition them to Major Gift Officers, ensuring a healthy donor pipeline for future university campaigns.
• Conduct personal solicitations and stewardship visits (in-person or virtual) to move donors up the giving pyramid.
• Supervise two Annual Fund Officers, providing mentorship, setting performance metrics, and overseeing their work plans.
• Manage the annual giving budget and coordinate with external vendors for production and mailing schedules.
• Foster a collaborative environment that aligns with Valpo’s mission of servant leadership.

Benefits

• All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees