Director, Individual Giving (Annual Giving)

United Way of Massachusetts Bay • Boston, MA

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Individual Giving oversees all aspects of United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s Annual Giving strategy, with a primary focus on growing and retaining individual donors giving up to $10,000 annually. The role leads a multi-channel fundraising program encompassing direct mail, workplace giving donor engagement, annual appeals, donor giving societies, volunteer fundraising committees, and stewardship initiatives to increase donor participation, retention, and philanthropic investment.

Reporting to the Vice President, Individual Giving, the Director develops and executes strategies to strengthen the donor pipeline, deepen engagement across giving levels, and create pathways for donors to increase their investment over time. The role partners across Development and External Affairs to deliver integrated fundraising campaigns and donor experiences, and leads and coaches a small team.

The position requires at least two fixed days per week in the Boston office, with additional in-person work based on the needs of the position and organization. The organization offers a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 8 years of fundraising or transferable experience in the private or nonprofit sector.
• Proven ability to build donor relationships resulting in leadership annual gifts.
• 2–3 years of experience managing direct reports.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to inform, inspire, and connect prospects and donors to United Way’s community work.
• Strong customer service skills and commitment to donor confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to build strong internal partnerships and work within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to a changing environment.
• Creative and strategic problem-solving ability.
• Highly motivated and self-starting, with the ability and willingness to take initiative and action.
• Commitment to accountability.
• Proficiency in a Microsoft Office environment.
• Reliable internet access and flexibility to work a hybrid schedule, including at least two days in the Boston office.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and to the mission of United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with and understanding of a consultative sales and engagement approach.
• Experience with data management systems.
• Volunteer or committee management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, planning, and execution of the annual giving program, focusing primarily on donors contributing up to $10,000 annually.
• Develop integrated fundraising strategies to increase donor acquisition, retention, renewal, and upgrades across annual giving channels.
• Oversee annual fundraising calendars, campaign planning, and performance measurement to achieve revenue goals.
• Monitor annual giving metrics and analytics, using donor insights to refine strategies and improve results.
• Develop and oversee direct mail, email appeals, and digital fundraising strategies in partnership with External Affairs.
• Collaborate on campaign messaging, creative development, audience segmentation, and donor journeys.
• Evaluate campaign effectiveness through data analysis, testing, and reporting, and implement improvements based on results.
• Design donor experiences that cultivate engagement and encourage increased giving over time.
• Oversee stewardship and recognition programs that strengthen donor loyalty and lifetime value.
• Support leadership giving societies by developing opportunities that encourage donor progression.
• Maintain a limited portfolio of strategic donors, volunteer leaders, and key annual giving prospects as appropriate.
• Partner with Corporate Giving to improve donor engagement and retention through workplace giving campaigns.
• Collaborate with Corporate Giving and Development Systems & Operations on donor segmentation, campaign execution, reporting, and data integrity.
• Work with External Affairs to align fundraising campaigns with organizational messaging, storytelling, and marketing initiatives.
• Coordinate with Development colleagues to support seamless donor experiences and movement among annual, major, corporate, and planned giving strategies.
• Lead engagement of volunteer fundraising committees, giving societies, and other volunteer leaders to increase donor participation and community engagement.
• Recruit, prepare, and support volunteers in fundraising, cultivation, and ambassador activities.
• Partner with senior leadership on volunteer engagement strategies that expand United Way’s philanthropic network.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Individual Giving team members; establish goals, performance expectations, and professional growth opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, results-oriented team culture emphasizing innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent United Way at donor meetings, community events, volunteer activities, and organizational functions.
• Build partnerships across departments to advance fundraising priorities and organizational goals.

Benefits

• BCBS PPO health plan.
• Dental benefits.
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match and discretionary employer base contribution.
• Paid time off policy with summer hours and a three-day Thanksgiving closure.
• Hybrid work schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director