Director of Annual Giving - Fresno State University

Fresno State University is seeking a Director of Annual Giving to build, lead, and shape a fundraising program from the ground up. Whether you're transitioning into philanthropy or bringing fresh expertise, this is your chance to drive engagement, inspire donors, and make a lasting impact! As part of University Advancement, you'll join a team that inspires philanthropy, empowers donors, and enhances Fresno State's impact in the Central Valley. On-site in Fresno, CA, with relocation assistance available, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful and transform the future of giving!

Another Source's client, Fresno State University, is recruiting a Director of Annual Giving to join their team on-site in Fresno, CA.

Here's a little about the University Advancement at Fresno State University and the position they are recruiting for:

University Advancement's mission is to inspire and grow philanthropy at Fresno State by placing philanthropic partners at the heart of its efforts, empowering them to be the heroes of their own giving stories. The division collaborates with alumni, friends, and the greater Fresno community to elevate Fresno State and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

By fostering connections and advancing the University's mission, University Advancement enriches the lives of Fresno State students and strengthens the Central Valley. Through strategic engagement with Fresno State's strong brand, the division deepens bonds with alumni, friends, and community members, building lasting partnerships that enhance the University's impact.

Learn more about the University Advancement at Fresno State here: https://advancement.fresnostate.edu/index.html

About the role:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advancement Operations and Annual Giving, the Director of Annual Giving oversees the development, management, and evaluation of strategic and tactical plans and budgets for a comprehensive annual giving program. This role involves leading communications, services, and solicitation efforts to engage alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends, driving increased annual philanthropic support for Fresno State.

The Director fosters the implementation of best practices while exploring and adopting innovative methods and channels for solicitation and stewardship. Serving as a key representative of Fresno State, the Director builds and nurtures relationships with philanthropic partners at all levels, effectively communicating program objectives through written materials, emails, phone outreach, personal visits, social media, and other platforms.

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is: $80,000 - $92,000 based on experience.

What you will be doing:

Leading, overseeing, and directing the annual giving program, focusing on acquiring, retaining, and stewarding philanthropic partners aligned with Fresno State's strategic priorities through omni-channel marketing, including appeals for colleges, units, schools, alumni associations, payroll deductions, crowdfunding cohorts, and special campaigns like Day of Giving and the President's Circle for Excellence.

• Increasing annual fund revenue by implementing data-driven, comprehensive philanthropic partner strategies.

• Formulating and executing outreach and solicitation strategies across multiple channels, such as direct marketing, online giving, crowdfunding, text messaging, and social media, while exploring and adopting innovative engagement methods.

• Developing annual giving strategies that align with the University's mission and support the public phase of comprehensive campaigns.

• Creating, implementing, and evaluating multi-year plans that engage stakeholders at every stage of the philanthropic pipeline, from cultivating future partners to renewing lapsed donors.

• Leveraging AI to expand annual and leadership giving segments within the philanthropic pipeline.

• Designing and managing stewardship activities to strengthen relationships with students, alumni, friends, and philanthropic partners, fostering deeper engagement and increased support.

• Integrating key University messages into annual giving communications, solicitations, and stewardship efforts.

• Setting performance goals, tracking benchmarks, and analyzing variances to ensure success.

• Developing and presenting detailed statistical, financial, and informational reports to stakeholders, including college leadership, campus administration, and volunteer boards.

• Providing strategic leadership and advice on annual giving to University Advancement executives, Development teams, and campus units, while training staff on best practices and strategies.

• Collaborating across departments to streamline operations and ensure cohesive workflows between Annual Giving and Development, Student, Alumni Engagement, and Marketing teams.

• Actively participating in University Advancement and community events to strengthen connections and promote annual giving initiatives.

• Managing the overall budget for Annual Giving while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.

• A minimum of three years progressively responsible experience in non-profit fundraising, marketing or a related field.

• Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of non-profit fundraising and superior knowledge of the best practices within the annual giving field.

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive annual giving program, establishing goals and objectives that translate into operating plans and appropriate staff assignments and resource allocations.

• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse constituency and all levels of the organization; ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment; demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships. High level of creative program/management skills, including initiative, attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to successfully direct multiple projects on time-limited deadlines within budget and under pressure.

• Knowledge of the needs and interests of alumni, prospective philanthropic partners, and philanthropic partners in order to develop relationships between them and the university.

• Knowledge of data management and analysis techniques, database management and gift processing.

• Ability to represent the University to external constituents and articulate fundraising goals to the public and establish relationships with members of the community; work effectively with internal constituents across all levels including deans, staff, faculty, advancement professionals and administrators.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of budgeting and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.

• Experience working in higher education or non-profit fundraising, preferably in a highly complex environment.

• Knowledge and proven success in fundraising and campaigns and an analytical ability to recognize opportunities and prioritize them to attain goals.

• Experience with integration of annual giving into an organization's greater fundraising goals.

• Knowledge of Ellucian Advance or another fundraising constituent database.

• Knowledge of Anthology Encompass, Scalefunder, or another third-party vendor communication platform.

What's in it for you:

Why a career with CSU is for You https://adminfinance.fresnostate.edu/hr/benefits/index.html

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer.

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities.

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee's salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service.

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)

• Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or services)

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:

The California State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all CSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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