Director, Annual Giving

Posted on 06/26/2023

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the search for a Director, Annual Giving.

The Director, Annual Giving will design and implement a comprehensive annual solicitation program that utilizes advanced technologies, targeted segmentation, and data analysis to enhance revenue for both restricted and unrestricted giving for Rensselaer while expanding the rate of alumni participation. The Director will manage all annual giving staff, volunteers, and activities as well as maintain a donor prospect pool and solicit gifts for the Institute. The Director will engage in a critical analysis of existing programs and plans to ensure that the University’s annual giving program remains best in class, with innovative programs that engage alumni. The Director will develop annual giving programs that celebrate and engage RPI’s alumni nationally as well as internationally in the bicentennial of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2024.

Reporting Relationships: 

The Director, Annual Giving will report to the Associate Vice President, Development and Fundraising, Joel B. Kincart. The Director will oversee a team of eight current and planned staff.

Primary Responsibilities: 

The Director, Annual Giving will:

  • provide strategic on-going leadership of the annual giving office and its programs to ensure established goals are achieved;
  • track annual goals and report progress to the Associate Vice President and others in Advancement leadership;
  • design and execute an annual and multi-year plan for annual giving to increase philanthropic and volunteer support and donor participation;
  • develop and manage strategies for increasing the number of retained and new donors to the Rensselaer Annual Fund;
  • develop a plan and manage strategies to secure increased designated annual support while building the volunteer structure to support these strategies;
  • work closely with the Institute’s leadership including academic deans, portfolio managers, and other leadership to develop annual giving programs that celebrate and engage RPI’s alumni nationally as well as internationally in the bicentennial of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2024;
  • work closely with Advancement Officers to ensure optimum collaboration and integration within programs;
  • track Advancement Officer solicitations including leadership annual giving asks of $25,000 to $100,000;
  • oversee the development of staffing plans that support the initiatives of the Institute;
  • ensure fiscal responsibility for decisions regarding expenditures and staffing levels in the department;
  • analyze prospect pools and strategically segment into targeted groups of potential donors for various outreach channels while building an appropriate timeline to ensure that all targeted groups are called at optimum times utilizing effective calling scripts;
  • in partnership with the Vice President, manage the Rensselaer Alumni Association Annual Fund Gift Committee, ensuring that all Board members are giving to the Rensselaer Annual Fund each year at an appropriate leadership level; and
  • oversee the recruitment and management of direct reports including hiring, evaluating, training, developing, supporting, coaching, and counseling.

Preferred Competencies and Qualifications: 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeks a Director, Annual Giving with:

  • a commitment to the mission of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—to educate the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers, celebrating discovery and the responsible application of technology to create knowledge and global prosperity;
  • volunteer management experience, preferably in a college, university, or academic setting;
  • leadership experience including experience building strong, autonomous, and collaborative teams;
  • comprehensive knowledge of alumni or other constituent relations activities within a research university or a similarly complex enterprise with a comprehensive constituent relations program;
  • an ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
  • an ability to manage fundraising goals and expectations in a metrics-driven, deadline-oriented environment;
  • an ability to set priorities while contributing to a team effort;
  • an ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, and others;
  • an ability to conduct research and assemble data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development activities;
  • an ability to design, implement, and continuously improve programs and processes that achieve outcomes;
  • excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • strong organizational skills and an ability to anticipate and solve problems utilizing strong analytical skills;
  • an ability to interpret financial data;
  • an ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives;
  • an ability to work with diverse populations;
  • strong computer skills and knowledge; and
  • an ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of related, progressively responsible professional fundraising and management experience is preferred.

Salary and Benefits: 

The hiring range for this position is $100,000 to $130,000 annually. Rensselaer provides this hiring range as a good faith estimate of what the starting pay will be offered to the successful candidate. Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Its goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment.

Location: 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, New York. The position may have the opportunity for a hybrid working arrangement (a combination of on- and off-site).

Application Instructions: 

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the prospectus. Preference will be given to applications received by July 28,2023. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national, and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.

To apply for this job please visit opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com.