Director of Annual Giving

Point Loma Nazarene University • San Diego, CA

10d • $78,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Join a mission-driven advancement team shaping the future of philanthropy at Point Loma Nazarene University. As the Director of Annual Giving, you’ll design and lead strategies that inspire generosity, deepen alumni and community engagement, and grow a strong base of annual support for the university’s vision and values. This role blends creativity, analytics, and relationship-building to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

• Understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of the university.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Communications, Business, Public Relations, or similar) preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in annual giving, donor engagement, non-profit administration, marketing or other related roles required.
• A track record of success in increasing annual giving support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies.
• Experience in leading goal-oriented teams, managing budgets, and collaborating successfully with a broad range of colleagues.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to the needs and interests of varied constituencies.
• Experience in project management.
• Strong analytical skills are required along with excellent writing skills.
• Knowledge of Windows and MS Office (Word and Excel) and Google Suite required.
• Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must be flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to think critically.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workflow and coordinate the work of others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement.
• In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
• PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
• Sitting for periods greater than one hour.
• Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Vision to read documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
• Will also stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 lbs throughout the day.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Communications, Business, Public Relations, or similar) preferred.
• Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and implementation of a multi-year annual giving plan.
• Manage integrated campaigns across mail, digital, social, phone, and events.
• Drive participation in signature initiatives such as Green4Gold and year-end appeals.
• Oversee donor segmentation, communication, and data analysis using Raiser’s Edge.
• Collaborate with Marketing to deliver compelling, mission-aligned fundraising materials.
• Supervise and mentor the Leadership Gift Officer to strengthen mid-level giving.
• Partner with Stewardship and Major Gifts teams to enhance donor pipelines.
• Report on campaign performance, insights, and return on investment.
• Foster student and alumni engagement in giving initiatives across campus.
• Represent Advancement at key university events and community activities.

Benefits

• We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources.
• This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year.
• In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees