Summary

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving supports the planning, execution, and evaluation of annual giving initiatives that advance BGSU’s fundraising priorities. This role manages multiple, concurrent projects across channels, including digital appeals, direct mail, crowdfunding, and signature efforts such as BGSU One Day. Working closely with the Director of Annual Giving and campus partners, the position collaborates with frontline fundraisers, marketing, and donor relations to develop coordinated strategies and compelling messaging. The Assistant Director also contributes to affinity-based fundraising programs and scholarship support, including writing solicitations and analyzing results to inform future efforts. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

• Fundraising Projects Coordination: Coordinate with Director of Annual Giving, Advancement, and college/unit colleagues – fundraisers, donor relations and stewardship, marketing and brand strategy and other key stakeholders – development, execution and evaluation of annual giving messaging and segmented appeals including online giving, crowdfunding projects, e-appeals, digital engagement, print messages and BGSU One Day. Planning, coordination, and implementation of projects happen concurrently and on an annual cycle.
• Collaboration Strategies: Develop and implement annual giving direct mail strategies for college/unit fundraising initiatives with frontline fundraisers and other University Advancement staff. Develop and implement communications that complement annual giving direct mail and personal solicitations with Marketing and Brand Strategy team and the Director of Advancement Communication, Board and Leadership Strategy.
• Program Development: Work closely with Director of Annual Giving to create and coordinate annual fundraising initiatives for affinity group appeals, including graduating seniors and recent graduates, scholarship programs and other identified priorities. This will include planning and writing solicitations, evaluating program, and reporting results to steward donors; and evaluate and implement annual giving recognition societies.
• Other Duties: Assist with annual giving operations and ad hoc projectsas needed, in addition to assignments by Director of Annual Giving, AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and VP for University Advancement along with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

The following Experience is required:

• 1 year of experience managing projects

The following Experience is preferred:

• Experience in annual giving, fundraising, or advancement services within a nonprofit or higher education environment

The following Licensure, Certifications, or Registration is required:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the university’s vehicle use policy.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated success in written, verbal, and digital communication with understanding of fundraising practices.
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed.
• Occasional night and weekend hours for Advancement activities.
• Experience with annual giving programs, initiatives, or related field.
• Understanding of annual giving cycle and its importance as a component of overall fundraising in higher education/non-profit environment.