Director of Annual Giving

Summit Academy O I C • Minneapolis, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Annual Giving leads Summit Academy OIC’s donor-centered annual giving program, driving donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, and revenue growth through campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and the Golf Classic & Summer Party. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and serving on the Development leadership team, the Director oversees individual donors and corporate sponsors, with a primary focus on gifts under $5,000. The role is accountable for revenue results, accurate forecasting, staff leadership, and independent execution of fundraising strategies.

The Director develops and executes annual giving strategies, work plans, budgets, and revenue forecasts; manages an assigned portfolio of individual donors and corporate sponsors; and leads the Golf Classic & Summer Party fundraising strategy. The position works with Development, Marketing & Communications, Workforce Solutions, and Volunteer Engagement colleagues to coordinate campaigns, sponsorships, and donor engagement. The Director also supervises assigned staff, engages volunteer leaders, analyzes fundraising performance, and reports progress and recommendations to the Chief Development Officer.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The role is based primarily at Summit Academy OIC’s workspace in a professional school and office setting. A hybrid schedule may be discussed with the Chief Development Officer after 90 business days. Travel within the Twin Cities metro area may be required, and occasional evening, weekend, and early morning hours may be needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least six years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including successful leadership of annual giving programs and ownership of revenue goals.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff.
• Strong knowledge of individual giving strategies.
• Strong forecasting, budgeting, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize and execute complex initiatives, identify risks, and deliver measurable results.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.
• Knowledge of donor privacy practices and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Commitment to Summit Academy OIC’s mission.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods; use manual dexterity to dial a telephone and enter computer data; see and read screens and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand conversational speech and telephone speech; speak audibly and clearly; lift up to 10 pounds to waist height; and bend, stoop, walk, and reach overhead.
• All applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with Salesforce; Salesforce is preferred.
• Experience fundraising for workforce development or education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual giving strategies, work plans, budgets, and revenue forecasts to achieve individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and signature event revenue goals.
• Establish measurable targets, monitor progress, and adjust fundraising strategies to improve performance.
• Oversee the Annual Giving Pool and manage an assigned portfolio of individual donors and corporate sponsors through prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and upgrades.
• Coordinate with the Major Gifts Officer to advance qualified prospects into major gift cultivation.
• Expand corporate sponsorships and collaborate with Workforce Solutions, Volunteer Engagement, and Development colleagues on aligned philanthropic opportunities.
• Lead the Golf Classic & Summer Party, including fundraising strategy, sponsorship development, volunteer committee management, revenue forecasting, donor experience, and performance evaluation.
• Provide strategic oversight of event operations and production.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications colleagues on multichannel appeals, campaign messaging, marketing, and donor engagement strategies.
• Supervise assigned staff by establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities, coaching performance, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and recommendations to the Chief Development Officer.
• Independently solicit gifts and sponsorships and implement segmented strategies to acquire, retain, renew, and upgrade individual donors and corporate sponsors.
• Coordinate larger giving opportunities with the Chief Development Officer and Major Gifts Officer as appropriate.
• Engage fundraising committees and other volunteer leaders as connectors and advocates to broaden philanthropic support.
• Develop targeted appeals and engagement initiatives with measurable objectives, coordinating donor and corporate relationships with Development colleagues.
• Maintain accurate, evidence-based revenue forecasts, including identified prospects, anticipated gift timing, and campaign projections.
• Oversee the accuracy, reconciliation, and analysis of annual giving and Golf Classic & Summer Party performance reporting with the Development Data Specialist.
• Analyze revenue variances and key performance indicators, identify risks, recommend corrective actions, and communicate findings to the Chief Development Officer.

Benefits

• Paid time off accruing at 120 hours (three weeks) per year.
• 11 annual paid holidays and two annual scheduled paid mental health days.
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance.
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Eligibility to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance.

What This Job Offers

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