The Director of the Annual Fund, Annual & University Appeals (“Director”) for the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (“Alumni Foundation”) is responsible for continuously increasing annual gifts from individuals and entities in support of the Alumni Foundation and Montana State University (“University”). Responsibilities include developing, managing, and implementing strategies to increase annual gifts including, but not limited to, direct mail and email philanthropy. The Director reports directly to the Alumni Foundation’s Vice President of the Annual Fund.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop overall goals, objectives, and strategies in planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive annual giving efforts intended to sustain and continually increase annual gifts of under $25,000 to build a long-term base of support for the Alumni Foundation and the University.
• Oversee “annual fund” program direct marketing solicitations, primarily through Direct Mail, Digital, and Phone solicitations.
• Develop, implement, and assess new, creative, and effective fundraising direct marketing initiatives.
• Proactively research emerging trends, best practices, and industry standards that are relevant to areas of responsibility, implementing those to continually enhance and augment the Alumni Foundation’s current programs.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with other team members, as well as University representatives, to develop and deploy regular appeals, college- or unit-specific campaigns, and general support appeals.
• Actively manage and participate in annual giving appeals development and production processes (i.e., creative ideation and design, strategy development, message development, etc.).
• Track and analyze annual giving across a broad range of performance indicators and regularly report on performance and progress toward goals.
• Supervise two direct reports with the office of the Annual Fund: the Associate Director of Student & Young Alumni Philanthropy and the Associate Director of Digital Fundraising; manage through oversight of day-to-day areas of focus and performance management; provide opportunities for professional and personal development and lead recruitment, training and retention efforts for these roles as needed.
• Manage the annual giving solicitation development process by managing the annual giving calendar for central direct mail and email solicitation efforts as well as serving as primary contact for all University and corporate-related annual giving appeals.
• Adhere to all corporate policies and procedures in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Duties and responsibilities are subject to change.

Special Skills and Qualifications: 

• Exceptional written and oral communications skills including strong writing skills, editing skills, and the demonstrated ability to craft compelling messages.
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills, attention to detail, analytical ability and time management skills.
• High initiative and the ability to work independently with a sense of urgency to serve customers, both internal and external.
• Proficiency with using Microsoft Office (primarily Word and Excel), as well as standard office equipment including copiers, fax machines, and scanners.
• Ability to demonstrate a track record in fundraising and/or marketing, preferably within a university setting.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Proven ability to motivate and lead others as a professional.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to positively interact with a wide array of individuals.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to work with a high-degree of integrity and complete respect for confidentiality.

Required Experience:  6+ years of fundraising and/or marketing experience in a professional setting

Preferred Experience:  4+ years higher-education fundraising, specifically in annual giving

Education Required:  Baccalaureate degree in a related field

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references online.  Recruitment will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.