Summary

The Director of Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and direction in the planning, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive annual giving program in support of Bowling Green State University. This role is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that align with industry best practices to increase donor participation and philanthropic revenue from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the University. Key responsibilities include overseeing multi-channel annual giving efforts such as direct mail, e-appeals, online giving, social and electronic media, and personal solicitations. A strong focus is placed on leveraging data analytics to assess performance, inform decision-making, and continuously refine strategy to maximize donor engagement and retention. The Director manages the Annual Giving team and serves as a senior member of the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving leadership, contributing to the development and execution of overall engagement and fundraising strategies.

Essential Functions

• Fundraising Program Management: Plan and implement, in consultation with the Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, a comprehensive annual giving program utilizing industry best practices that includes direct mail, e-appeals, online giving, social and electronic media, and personal solicitations. Develop yearly plan and strategies for annual giving activities including:

1) Solicitations for University-wide initiatives to support unrestricted giving, scholarships and BGSU Strategic Plan priorities;
2) College/unit fundraising efforts, working with college/unit major gift officers and deans/unit leaders;
3) BGSU One Day recruiting, training and management of volunteers, defining marketing strategy, successful execution and reporting of results;
4) Leadership Circle ($1,000-$24,999) and Carillon Society (consecutive giving) in collaboration with Donor Relations and Stewardship. Provide strategic analysis of annual giving trends and results.

• Team Management and Workflow Process: Supervise and manage Annual Giving staff activity, including successful completion of BGSU One Day, other annual fundraising efforts of colleges/units, reunion giving, student giving, and other initiatives as prioritized by University Advancement (UA) leadership. Consult with AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving on budget resources to achieve specified goals and objectives.

• Prospect Portfolio Activity: Manage a portfolio of 50+ assigned fundraising prospects for annual giving leadership gifts ($1,000-$24,999) and for gifts to prioritized funding initiatives, including in person/virtual visits for cultivation and solicitation.

• Collaboration: Work with UA colleagues and Marketing & Brand Strategy on University Advancement’s report of annual giving yearly results, webpage content, e- and print mailings; Director of Alumni Engagement on alumni activities, events and programming; major gift officers on prospect strategies for annual gifts to colleges/units; Gift Processing on deposit and receipting of contributions. Support University activities and events as a member of the University Advancement team through active, collegial participation in planning and development of divisional goals, budget preparation and efforts to improve operational effectiveness; and with other campus faculty and staff, students, alumni, and all other supporters of BGSU at key meetings and constituent and athletic events to promote alumni programs and encourage support for annual giving, and other, fundraising priorities.

• Other Duties and Responsibilities: As requested by the Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and the Vice President for University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree must be conferred at the time of application

The following Experience is required:

• 3 years of direct work experience in non-profit fundraising
• 1 year supervisory/staff management experience

The following Experience is preferred:

• Preferred higher education experience

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Direct experience and understanding of industry best practices for annual giving
• Social media and emerging technology platforms
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills and an ability to work as part of a high-performing team are essential
• Ability and commitment to travel and attend evening and weekend events as required

Required Documents to Upload to Application: Cover Letter and Resume

Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by December 12, 2025.