The Senior Director, Annual Giving Programs, leads the development, execution, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving strategy designed to increase donor participation and annual support for the College. This position manages a team focused on engaging alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff in giving opportunities up to $5,000 through coordinated solicitations, stewardship, and outreach efforts.

The Senior Director sets the annual solicitation calendar and messaging strategy, oversees school-based and direct marketing efforts—including digital campaigns, crowdfunding, and giving days—and ensures alignment with the College’s strategic plan and institutional advancement goals. In partnership with the Executive Director of Advancement Services and Annual Giving Programs, the Senior Director sets ambitious annual goals for donors, dollars, and retention, monitors progress through regular team meetings and data analysis, and strengthens the pipeline for major and leadership giving.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Annual Giving Strategy & Program Management – Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of year-round solicitation strategies, from concept to execution, across direct mail, email, phone, text, and social media. Supervises annual giving staff, providing leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to support a results-driven team. Ensures all activities align with College branding and comply with state, federal, and ethical fundraising regulations. Oversees program budget, vendor relationships, and operational workflows to ensure cost-effective execution and donor data integrity.
• Signature Campaign Oversight & Data-Driven Optimization -Directs planning and implementation of major annual giving campaigns, including the College’s 24-Hour Giving Day. Promotes multi-year and leadership giving strategies to drive sustainable growth. Leads ongoing analysis and reporting using benchmarking and advanced analytics to inform data driven improvements and enhance campaign performance.
• Strategic Collaboration & Campus Integration -Serves as a strategic partner to schools, units, and key campus stakeholders to develop and coordinate annual solicitation strategies. Collaborates with the Associate Director, Annual Giving, Schools and Units, and unit-based fundraisers to set annual goals and messaging before the start of each fiscal year. Partner with the Assistant Director, Direct Marketing, to align digital and print marketing plans across campaigns. Works cross- functionally with Advancement Services, Alumni Affairs, Major and Regional Gift Officers, Donor Relations, Athletics, the President’s Office, and Marketing and Communications to ensure calendar coordination and integrated messaging. Supports the Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy & Young Alumni in developing programs to increase student and young alumni engagement and participation.
• Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects -Provides leadership and support for emerging initiatives and special projects as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of demonstrated relevant experience in annual giving or production management, marketing, and fundraising. Staff supervision and professional experience working in higher education preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A demonstrated understanding of sophisticated fundraising and marketing techniques, volunteer management, donor relations, and stewardship. Proven ability to reach aggressive goals. Facility working with a relational database or CRM (i.e., Raiser’s Edge). Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A dedicated commitment to personnel management, teamwork, and collaboration with colleagues from across the institution. Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. Some travel is required.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.