Knox College invites applications for the full-time, 12-month position of Director of Annual Giving. The Director of Annual Giving reports directly to the Vice President for Advancement. The Director of Annual Giving provides overall strategy, leadership and direction for Knox College’s annual giving program. The Director oversees the comprehensive strategy and implementation of all annual fund activities, to include leadership giving, alumni, reunion, crowdfunding, parent and athletic giving programs. The Director manages all aspects of the annual fund including identification, cultivation, and solicitation while maintaining a portfolio of 30-50 leadership annual giving and major gift prospects. 

Essential Functions:

• Devise, implement and evaluate a year-round acquisition and cultivation program; build strategies for acquiring new donors, with an emphasis on increasing alumni and parent participation. Implement initiatives for retaining and upgrading annual support from current donors with special emphasis on increasing unrestricted support for the College.
• Successfully utilize CRM and other Advancement technologies to analyze data and evaluate trends to determine strategies and activities to assist in reaching goals.
• Evaluate and when applicable, execute new initiatives using technologies, advanced customization for specific audiences, and enhanced digital strategies for communication and stewardship in coordination with advancement staff.
• Engage in a continuous, systematic review and analysis of all Annual Fund metrics and activities to find ways to do things more effectively and efficiently
• Develop concepts for and manage all print, email, crowdfunding and video solicitations. Targeted campaigns include leadership annual giving, alumni, reunion, parent giving, planned giving where appropriate, and monthly anniversary reminders. Oversee athletic appeals (mail, phone, and e-mail). Lead faculty and staff giving campaigns.
• Plan and execute multichannel fundraising efforts in support of crowdfunding efforts.
• Determine segmentation and ask strategies to maximize response rates and revenue for each activity, leading to increased revenue and alumni participation.
• Work withEngagement staff to execute class leadership program that facilitates peer-to-peer interaction and communication around engagement and giving opportunities with Knox
• Collaborate on reunion planning for milestone reunions, including 5th – 45th years developing participation and fundraising goals.
• Identify and integrate Annual Fund donors into the Major Gifts program, in close collaboration with the Leadership Annual Giving, Prospect Development, and Major/Principal Gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of leadership annual fund donors. Cultivate, solicit, and steward 30-50 leadership annual fund donors ($1,837+ donors) annually. Assist in identifying prospects for planned and major gifts. Visit 60-80 donors annually.
• Assist with Homecoming, Founders Day, and Reunion Weekends activities as needed.
• Assist the Office of Advancement with projects as asked.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, highly collaborative environment
• Be goal and achievement-oriented; operate with enthusiasm and integrity; and effectively supervise possible student employees/volunteers.
• Have excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
• Be proficient with all aspects of current social media platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships, making connections and managing long- term relationships.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact required.
• Computer skills must include high competence in Microsoft Office software, social media, and database/CRM maintenance
• An entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude
• Willingness and ability to attend events outside of business hours required
• Travel required

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• 5 Years prior experience in fundraising and management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education fundraising
• Experience growing a $4M+ Annual Fund
• Experience with RENXT and/or other Advancement technologies