Position Description 

The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  This individual is responsible for the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program designed to increase unrestricted gifts, serve as a foundation for major and planned gifts, support the overall development and campaign goals of the College, and ensure that Millsaps remains competitive among peers as measured externally by dollars raised and percentage participation.  This position is full-time equivalent with evening and weekend requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Establish goals for all programs within the Annual Giving Campaign and build strategic and tactical plans for achieving those goals.
• Plan and implement Campaign for Annual Leadership Gifts ($1,000 – $25,000) consisting of direct mail, phone, and face-to-face solicitation by staff and volunteers.
• Manage a portfolio of alumni, parent, and friend Presidents Society donors / prospects ($1,000+).
• Develop coordinated Annual Fund solicitation and stewardship strategies and materials involving direct mail, email, telephone contacts, personal visits, and volunteer engagement – all focused on establishing a sustainable tradition of annual support.
• Work with Athletic Director and Else School of Management Dean to develop strategies for annual giving initiatives dedicated to support of their programs.
• Work effectively with other Advancement staff to align strategic messaging, reporting, and prospect management.
• Create, develop, and sustain an effective volunteer component within the annual giving program.
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Annual Giving Coordinator.
• Direct and supervise the Annual Fund yearly budget.
• Assist with Institutional Advancement and campus wide events as necessary.
• Other duties assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years successful experience in fund raising or related fields, preferably annual giving programs.
• Proven success in face-to-face gift solicitations.
• Goal oriented with ability to provide direction, supervision, and motivation to staff and volunteers.
• Strong oral / written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a demonstrated record of completing projects and meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to successfully manage multi-functional areas.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Strong decision-making skills, ability to work with confidential information; tact and discretion are essential.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Interested and qualified candidates should send cover letter, resume and three references to Susan Womack, Associate Vice President for Development Operations.

Email [email protected], and please reference “Director of Annual Giving” in the subject line.

Or mail to:
Millsaps College
ATT: Susan Womack
Campus Box 151191
1701 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39210

Millsaps is an accredited, privately-supported, national liberal arts college founded in 1890.  Ranked as the Best College in Mississippi by Forbes, Millsaps is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education and has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, the John Templeton Foundation, The Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Insight Magazine.

Located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, Millsaps is a vital part of this progressive southern metropolitan area of nearly half a million people.  Jackson is home to world-class museums and exhibits, thriving festivals and events, James Beard Foundation chefs and restaurants, and a multitude of world-class authors, painters, sculptors, dancers, actors, architects, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, and artisans of many disciplines.

Millsaps College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Millsaps College to offer equal educational and employment opportunities to all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Eligibility for employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening.