The Director of Annual Giving leads the strategy, execution, and analysis of comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising campaigns for growth of the annual giving program. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for strategic leadership, effective management, and inspiration to the annual giving team.  The annual giving team role focuses on acquiring new donors, increasing donor retention, upgrading annual donors to leadership levels, and strengthening the pipeline for future major and planned gifts with all constituent groups.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Director of Gift Planning, the Director of Annual Giving is a full-time, exempt position with a normal work schedule of 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Key areas of responsibility

Creative Strategic Planning and Solicitation

• Utilize key data to formulate and execute an innovative, multi-channel (mail, phone, email, social media, face-to-face solicitation and other new and emerging methods/media) fundraising strategy for each segment of Wofford’s constituency.

• Work closely with the marketing and communications staff to create concepts and construct messages that clearly articulate the case for support.

• Oversee and direct a comprehensive solicitation calendar which coordinates fundraising efforts for alumni, parents, friends, students, reunion classes, athletics, and other campus partners.

• Plan and execute key giving campaigns, including A Day for Wofford, a spring gamified appeal, and the end of year campaign.

Team and Budget management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate annual giving staff (2-3 team members) as they actively engage prospects. Provide creative solutions to challenging solicitations.

• Manage the annual giving budget to maximize cost-effective strategies.

• Implement metrics to assess individual and team performance; provide guidance and support necessary for staff members to achieve their goals.

• Create a culture where effective teamwork, collaboration, and innovation are expected, recognized, and rewarded. Lead by example regarding appropriate risk-taking, cross- organizational cooperation, and clear standards of conduct.

Collaboration

• Partner with various campus groups and volunteer boards including faculty, staff, athletics, the alumni board, and others to develop annual giving messaging, and marketing strategies for various constituencies and fundraising priorities.

• Collaborate regularly with team members in Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Operations, frontline fundraisers, and athletics to provide consistent messaging and experiences for all constituents.

• Support significant Wofford events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and other occasional night or weekend activities.

Stewardship

• In conjunction with the Director of Donor Relations, oversee a robust donor stewardship program, ensuring meaningful acknowledgment and recognition of annual gifts.

• Identify potential major gift prospects within the annual giving pool and facilitate smooth transitions to major gift officers.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Monitor key fundraising program performance metrics, including acquisition rates, retention rates, pipeline development and overall annual giving effectiveness.

• Provide accurate and timely reporting of solicitation activities.

• Monitor, and report on annual goals, revenue, and donor participation rates.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in annual giving or related fundraising/marketing roles, preferably in higher education or non-profit sectors.

• Leadership: Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing staff.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with CRM systems and donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Slate).

• Communication: Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a focus on persuasive, donor-centric storytelling. Sophisticated understanding of digital communications strategies to include social media, fundraising software, and email-based solicitations.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze donor behavior and data to inform strategy.