Under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advancement Operations and Annual Giving, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of strategic and tactical long and short-term program plans and budgets for a comprehensive annual giving program. The incumbent directs communications, services, and solicitation activities that engages and encourages the participation of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the University to successfully increase annual philanthropic support of Fresno State. The Director of Annual Giving fosters the growth of best practices and leads the investigation and adoption of new solicitation and stewardship methods and channels. The incumbent will represent and promote Fresno State as a liaison to philanthropic partners at all levels, communicating program objectives through written materials, email, telephone contact, personal visits, and additional channels.

Key Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively, professional, and congenial demeanor, high level of motivation, integrity, and commitment.
• 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.
• Ability to define and solve problems in both a strategic and tactical manner; collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; use good judgment in making logical and sound decisions.
• Knowledge of the needs and interests of alumni, prospective philanthropic partners, and philanthropic partners in order to develop relationships between them and the university.
• Demonstrated spirit of flexibility and a strong customer service ethic.
• Ability to provide direction, and to motivate, develop and educate professional and support staff through communication, modeling appropriate behavior, optimism, and high achievement.
• Knowledge of data management and analysis techniques, database management and gift processing.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Openness to new ideas and their implementation. Ability to react and adapt to changing situations appropriately.
• 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.
• The ability to work effectively in a large, fast-paced, complex, and dynamic organization.
• Must be able to work weekends and evenings when assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in non-profit fundraising or a related field.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, email and Internet applications and software tools.

Preferred Education and Skills:

• 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 or another third-party vendor communication platform.