Building upon the positive momentum and increasing success in fundraising in recent years, Illinois State University is seeking a Director of Annual Giving Communications to overseen mass fundraising appeals.  The position offers talented and motivated individuals an opportunity to join an accomplished and collaborative University Advancement team and to be part of a vibrant university community and an outstanding educational institution that is ranked among the nation’s top public universities and is recognized as one of the best universities to work for.

The Director of Annual Giving Communications will report to the Senior Director of Annual Giving and is responsible for managing the implementation of the mass fundraising solicitation strategy utilizing direct mail, email, digital and crowdfunding techniques. The Director will help set the direction and implement a comprehensive digital annual giving plan to acquire, retain, and engage donors. The Director will also help to design, plan, and launch a new Young Alumni Annual Giving program focused on recurring giving and capitalizing on the subscription culture.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 1 year of development/fundraising experience or equivalent work experience or education in areas that demonstrate the capacity for success in fundraising.
• Ability to create inspiring appeals and marketing messages for distribution in direct mail, telefund, email, social media, text, and targeted digital appeals including video.
• Proven skill in written and verbal communication.
• Proven skill in meeting sales/fundraising goals and metrics.
• Ability to meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a self-starter and self-motivator.
• Ability to work collaboratively across an organization to provide support and lead initiatives to a successful outcome.
• Creative problem-solver who can identify gaps and opportunities and share recommendations to enhance the annual giving program.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to constructively integrate and contribute as a member of the Annual Giving (part of Development Department) and University Advancement teams.
• Demonstrated ability to behave in a manner that ensures confidentiality of donor data.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Internet, emerging technologies, and a good understanding of social media.

Work Hours: 

Generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as dictated by business needs.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.