Sr Director, Leadership & Annual Giving- Search Firm
About The Position
The Senior Director of Leadership & Annual Giving provides strategic direction for integrated annual and leadership giving programs, with a focus on building a sustainable donor pipeline and advancing donors along a defined relationship pathway. Through data-informed segmentation, multi-channel outreach, and stewardship, the Senior Director strengthens donor retention, acquisition, and progression into leadership giving. In partnership with campus partners and Alumni Engagement, this position drives innovative engagement approaches, aligns fundraising with campus priorities, and supports colleges in building donor relationships that lead to increased philanthropic investment.
Requirements
- Knowledge of multi-channel fundraising strategies, including direct mail, digital, email, social media, crowdfunding, and giving days.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to develop compelling messaging and present strategies to leadership.
- Ability to lead integrated fundraising efforts and align multiple teams toward shared goals.
- Project management skills, including managing multiple campaigns, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders, including development teams, communications, athletics, alumni relations, and campus partners.
- Knowledge of donor lifecycle management, segmentation, and moves management principles.
- Ability to set clear expectations, monitor progress using metrics, and address performance challenges to achieve goals.
- Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
- Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
- Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college and a minimum of seven years of related professional experience required.
- Experience supervising professional staff is required.
- Valid Driver's License required
Nice To Haves
- Preference in higher education experience.
Responsibilities
- Build and execute innovative, multi-channel annual giving programs that prioritize audience-centered engagement and drive participation, retention, and growth.
- Oversee donor pathway that identifies, cultivates, and transitions annual donors into leadership and major giving portfolios.
- Lead cross-campus coordination of advancement and college partners to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities and drive cohesive, college-based engagement.
Benefits
- Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service)
- 14 paid holidays
- 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual
- A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans
- Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan
- Voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans
- Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees
- Dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit
- Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families
- Wellness programs
- Professional development opportunities
- Insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
