Director of Annual Giving Programs

Description

The Director of Annual Giving Programs partners with the rest of the Advancement team to build a culture of philanthropy that strengthens and sustains the mission of the school. The Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive annual fund of $2.8+ million (The WRA Fund) in unrestricted support for annual operations from alumni, parents, and friends of the school. The Director reports to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and provides supervision and management to the Annual Giving team.

The Director's primary responsibility is the strategic planning, execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program, including the coordination and oversight of supporting initiatives in the areas of advancement and donor relations. The Director will develop a coordinated plan of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone/mail, social media, personal visitation and volunteer engagement, all focused on shaping and growing a sustainable flow of annual support. In addition, the Director will foster a collaborative environment for pipeline identification and growth.

The Director provides strategic direction to promote annual fund growth and to inspire donors. 

Responsibilities include:  

• Develop and implement strategic and tactical plans for achieving annual fund goals.
• Focus on effective communication and solicitation activities within specific segments identified as having potential for the greatest growth, specifically Reunion giving, leadership gift society level donors, and securing new and increased gifts.
• Recruit, organize and manage volunteers for reunion, parents, young alumni and other segmented fundraising initiatives.
• Develop compelling messaging for four annual fund appeals annually.
• Collaborate with WRA Communications team to formulate and execute a comprehensive program supporting The WRA Fund in print, social media, digital and email.
• Work effectively with major gifts team to increase participation and implement strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels.
• Coordinate annual giving among reunion classes and other specialty constituents, such as the Alumni Association Board and Faculty and Staff, in a sophisticated and effective fashion.
• Oversee current parents giving programs and participation.
• manage portfolio of WRA Fund donors; engage, solicit and steward that constituency group.
• Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT to manage reports and dashboards to monitor gift activity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Three to five years relevant fundraising experience, preferably in independent schools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be a well-organized, multi-tasker with high integrity, energy, sensitivity and creativity.
• Work collaboratively with the advancement team.
• Ability to work night and weekends as needed.
• Curiosity, interest, and knowledge of new technologies being adapted to the fundraising field.
• Knowledge of Raiser's Edge NXT strongly preferred.