Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Annual Giving provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational direction for the University’s annual giving program.

This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated annual giving strategies designed to increase donor participation, grow revenue, and strengthen the pipeline of prospective donors. The Director ensures that annual giving operations align with university priorities and serve as a primary entry point for long-term donor engagement and philanthropic growth. The position exercises independent judgment in appeal strategy, resource allocation, data analysis, program administration, and staff supervision.

Job Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to:
• Independently lead the development and execution of a comprehensive annual giving strategy, establishing program priorities, resource allocation, and performance benchmarks aligned with divisional and institutional advancement goals.
• Design, execute, and evaluate integrated multi-channel fundraising appeals including direct mail, email, digital, social media, text, and online solicitations.
• Establish measurable goals for donor acquisition, retention reactivation, and upgrades.
• Lead strategic analysis of donor data and campaign performance to drive annual giving revenue, optimize return on investment, and inform advancement leadership decision-making.
• Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to advancement leadership.
• Ensure compliance with CSU policies, industry best practices, and institutional advancement standards.
• Develop and manage the annual giving operating budget to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
• Provide managerial oversight of annual giving operations through supervision of staff and coordination with cross-functional teams and external partners, establishing work priorities, performance expectations, and workflows to achieve program goals.
• Oversee vendor relationships and external service providers supporting fundraising execution.
• Develop and implement program-level procedures and operational guidelines for annual giving and contributes to divisional strategy discussions and advancement planning efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Develop strategies to identify, qualify, and transition annual donors with major gift potential.
• Serve as a key liaison within University Advancement and with external partners, advising leadership on annual giving pipeline strategy and representing program initiatives in cross-divisional planning efforts.
• Create structured upgrade pathways from annual giving to major giving portfolios.
• Provide data insights and donor trend analysis to inform major gift strategy discussions.
• Ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgement and recognition of annual donors.
• Develop stewardship strategies to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Advancement Services and Development staff to maintain accurate donor records and consistent communication.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:  Seven (7) years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least one (1) year of direct supervisory/management experience.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, creative writing or related field.  (Additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marketing, communications, creative writing, or other relevant field.
• Five (5) years of experience in direct annual giving.
• One (1) year of experience in direct higher education fundraising
• Background in marketing, communications, or data analytics supporting annual giving or fundraising campaigns.
• Experience supervising professional staff in advancement or fundraising operations; experience supervising subordinate managers preferred.
• Experience managing budgets for annual giving or fundraising programs.
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement or operational changes within fundraising programs.
• Experience participating in advancement planning and serving as a liaison with internal or external partners supporting donor engagement

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and standards within the assigned professional field.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and institutional policy implementation.
• Ability to develop and implement divisional policies and procedures.
• Ability to align operational objectives with institutional strategic goals.
• Ability to oversee multi-unit operations and integrate complex systems and processes.
• Ability to manage financial, human, and physical resources.
• Ability to supervise subordinate managers and professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to analyze institutional data and apply findings for strategic decision-making to interpret fundraising metrics and trends
• Skill in executive-level communication, presentations, and reporting.
• Ability to build effective partnerships across divisions and external entities.
• Ability to exercise broad discretion and sound judgment in high-impact situations.

Salary Range

Anticipated starting salary will be $10,560 – $11,250 per month plus excellent paid benefits.  Salary will depend on the qualifications of the successful finalist.  

Compensation & Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, outstanding vacation, health, dental, and vision plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. Link to Benefits Summary: CSU Employee Benefit Summary

How to Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a completed Stanislaus State online employment application, cover letter, and resumé. Applications are accepted electronically only.  Please note that failure to completely fill out each section of the online application may result in your application not receiving consideration.  To apply online, please click the “Apply Now” button on this page.

Application Deadline

OPEN UNTIL FILLED; SCREENING TO BEGIN ON OR AFTER JULY 13, 2026. (Applications received after the screening date will be considered at the discretion of the university.)