The Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Outreach and Communications (ADOC) is a skilled copywriter, gifted storyteller and strategic thinker who will use these skills to drive annual support and alumni association membership. The ADOC is responsible, alongside The Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Digital Strategy for the planning, execution, and management of a comprehensive direct marketing fundraising program with a goal of increasing the total number of annual donors and alumni association members to Colorado State University. The ADOC will implement creative ideas to generate a visionary strategy for a comprehensive multi-channel direct marketing program to increase overall alumni participation and engage and activate alumni and donors. With a steadfast belief in the power of storytelling, the ADOC understands how to create an authentic fundraising narrative that is grounded in strategy. They will be an accomplished writer, committed to creative excellence, and have the drive to exceed ambitious fundraising goals. The ADOC will possess the ability to make informed data-driven decisions and implement program changes where appropriate, while highlighting the University’s mission with a focus on annual giving and alumni membership.

The ADOC will develop compelling and high-impact communications through the enhancement of a robust direct mail program for both annual giving and alumni membership. The ADOC will provide overall strategic vision, project management, provide exceptional writing, and direct the creative for each solicitation from conception to completion. Working with a highly creative team of content strategists, graphic designers, fundraisers, and analysts the ADOC will combine creative strategy with the ability to make data-driven analytical decisions to drive results through a diverse portfolio of writing assignments with a goal to increase alumni participation.

The ADOC will work closely with outside vendors to produce and mail all pieces, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to fundraise on their behalf. This position will also work closely with the Assistant Director, Digital Strategy to plan and execute giving days, crowdfunding projects, and mini giving campaigns to deepen connections with annual donors. The ADOC will create and coordinate the implementation of strategic, dynamic and engaging content and offer consistency, cohesion and “one voice” to all projects. Additionally this position will work in partnership, with Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and University Advancement Communications representing annual giving and membership to plan and manage all projects designed to increase Alumni Participation. This person will infuse diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of their role to contribute to inclusive excellence and to ensure constituents of all backgrounds feel represented and included.

Essential Duties: 

Annual Giving and Membership Direct Mail Project Management and APR Strategy – 40%

• Responsible for the overall creative strategy, execution, and management of a comprehensive direct mail program with a goal of increasing the total number of annual donors and alumni association members to Colorado State University, and engaging and activating alumni and donors.
• Contribute to the mission of the unit to increase Alumni Participation and overall donor count through a direct marketing strategic plan designed to exceed all goals.
• Serve as the project manager for all direct mail solicitations, managing the timelines and workflow in a project management database.
• Responsible to manage the direct mail budget, which totals $100,000 annually.
• Strategically solve advanced marketing challenges through segmentation strategy, testing packages and initiatives.
• Analyze data and results to identify opportunities and suggest solutions to challenges in donor acquisition and retention.
• Serve as the project manager with all outside vendors including Colorado State Universities direct mail vendor to establish the budget and project timelines for each piece.
• Manage the RFP process, alongside the Managing Director of Annual Giving and Membership, and work with contracting services to establish work with outside direct mail vendors.
• Responsible for procurement decisions and management of financial documents as it relates to direct mail.
• Analyze processes and suggest process improvements to leadership. Will ensure that projects are moving forward and are on schedule as well as ensuring that each team member has the resources needed to complete their projects.
• Develop strategies to manage and continuously improve the donor experience.
• Develop processes for projects assigned by Managing Director to meet annual unit/division fundraising goals, handle any roadblocks discovered, and bring issues to closure, discerning when to take an issue up the chain of command.
• Consider how content and platforms can be more inclusive to best represent and involve alumni and donors of all backgrounds, ensuring all constituents feel welcomed, valued, and included.

Annual Giving and Membership Copywriting – 30%

• Expertly write and direct the creative for 50+ fundraising and membership pieces annually, creating “one voice” for the Annual Giving and Membership program.
• Write clear, error-free content for print and online pieces, while producing high quality final products and managing a diverse portfolio of writing assignments including solicitations, member profiles, and other timely initiatives.
• Write compelling content on behalf of students, donors, faculty, staff, senior leadership, and other constituents to create powerful, cohesive and meaningful fundraising asks.
• Responsible for creating the content and identifying the audiences for Colorado State Universities giving days, and mini giving campaigns.
• Ensure communications are inclusive, accessible, and representative of alumni and donors of all backgrounds.
• Responsible for coordinating both central and college/unit based annual giving and membership appeals.
• Serve as a resource for campus partners in developing solicitations and other annual giving communications.
• Produce high-quality final products/deliverables on tight deadlines.
• Juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensure adherence to graphic standards and brand consistency.

Communication – 20%

• Establish and determine storytelling strategies that highlight the value and impact of the fundraising opportunities within the unit and follow protocol to ensure quality communication pieces go out to the donors and members.
• Strategize with the Assistant Director of Digital Strategy, Director of Alumni Association membership, and Athletics unit to develop cross-promotional messaging and areas of partnership.
• Work in partnership with Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and University Advancement Communications to plan and manage all projects designed to increase Alumni Participation.
• Serve on appropriate cross-campus committees representing Annual Giving and Membership.
• Ensure strategies include inclusive elements, leading to communications that represent various voices and experiences.

Develop Strategy for Annual Giving and Membership Growth – 10%

• Identify opportunities for growth in annual giving metrics.
• Become an expert on Colorado State University and familiar with campus leadership to better respond to the needs of donors and staff.
• Actively participate as a staff member in the Division of University Advancement, attend Division-wide meetings and trainings, support Division-wide priorities and initiatives and serve on committees as time permits.
• Commit to excellence and personal growth around the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to positively contribute to an inclusive culture.

Required Job Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university by employment start date
• Minimum 2 years of experience in copywriting, marketing and communications, corporate communications or equivalent role.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications: 

• Experience with direct mail and online giving
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• An expert in creative writing and the art of effective storytelling
• An accomplished editor and proofreader
• Experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or membership program role in higher education or other non-profit settings
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative metrics for making data driven decisions
• Ability to problem solve and adapt to rapidly changing situations and successfully manage multiple complex projects from start to finish
• Ability to work cross-functionally with academic and administrative leaders in a collaborative environment to conceive and implement innovative ideas
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working in a CRM or other relational databases such as Advance or Raiser’s Edge

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.