Director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship - Misenheimer, United States - Pfeiffer University

Description

The Director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship is responsible for leading the planning, implementation, and continuation of programs which increase annual giving dollars and participation from students, alumni, parents, and friends of Pfeiffer University.

This position plays a crucial role in cultivating a culture of philanthropy, securing financial contributions, and ensuring the continued success and growth of the university's academic programs and initiatives.

• Working collaboratively with the Advancement team, develop and implement comprehensive annual giving strategies and special campaigns (Sr. Class gift, Pfeiffer Day, etc.) to solicit financial support from students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and other potential donors.
• Create and manage a calendar/schedule of multidimensional appeals that leverages a variety of media (e.g., electronic solicitation, direct mail appeals, face-to-face solicitations, events) to communicate with potential and current donors.
• Devise and execute strategies to secure annual fund and sponsorship contributions, including encouraging repeat donors to increase their contributions from year to year, reactivating lapsed donors and increasing donor retention.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communication team to design compelling fundraising materials and stewardship reports that highlight the impact of contributions.
• Work with other team members to identify and solicit sponsorships for approved fundraising events such as Homecoming.
• Work closely with the Director of Alumni Engagement to cultivate, solicit, and steward milestone reunion year gifts.
• Grow and steward the Devoted & True Society and other giving clubs.
• Provide leadership for Pfeiffer Day, the University's annual giving day, including campaign development, recruitment of advocates, advocate training, etc.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing donors.
• Help develop strategy for timely acknowledgement and personalized stewardship of donor contributions.
• Identify and engage potential donors through prospect research and the development of personal relationships.
• Implement donor recognition programs to express gratitude and appreciation to loyal contributors.
• Build relationships with constituents and personally solicit an assigned pool of prospects as appropriate.
• Assess programming ROI and provide data to the VP.
• Develop and manage the annual fund budget to ensure effective allocation of resources and cost-efficient fundraising practices.
• Utilize Raiser's Edge to track visits, produce contact notes, and conduct appropriate constituent follow-up.
• Draft and coordinate Annual Fund solicitation and acknowledgement letters.
• Attend on-campus and off-campus events, as appropriate.
• Assist with Advancement events, including Homecoming.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Possible supervision of work/study employees (p/t).
• Provision of guidance to alumni volunteers and student interns

Typical office environment; frequently lifting and carrying items up to 20 lbs.; frequently traveling between buildings on campus, to other campuses or off-campus to meet with vendors and attend events; occasional weekend and evening hours; some overnight travel may be required; occasionally work in outdoor conditions.

• Proven experience in fundraising, annual giving, donor relations, or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire donors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using fundraising software and databases preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• At least three years of relevant experience in a development-related role in an educational environment, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Raiser's Edge software preferred.
• Proven track record managing an annual campaign preferred.
• Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.