POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the strategy, management, and growth of the OU Foundation annual giving program. The Senior Director will lead the strategy for donor acquisition, renewal and upgrade, incorporating individual donor solicitation, direct mail, online, email, social media, and indirect giving channels. The Senior Director will be a leader in developing fundraising messages and campaigns for the program. They will oversee annual giving initiatives for the foundation and university including academic unit fundraising, Giving Day, special projects, and more. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administer and oversee an annual strategy for the acquisition of new donors and solicitation of
gifts from existing donors.
Develop and grow new and existing programs to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors
for gifts.

• Identify target constituent segments in the $1.00 to $10,000 gift range for personal solicitation.
• Work closely with colleagues in major and planned giving to develop a pipeline of donors and support the donor continuum.
• Work closely with fundraising and operations teams and the Advancement Communications team to develop communications plans and packaging for creative, high-end appeals inviting alumni and friends to participate in annual campaigns. This position serves as a leadership role in the AGAE department alongside the AVP, Alumni Engagement lead, and Leadership Annual Giving lead.

Plan and implement a comprehensive direct mail program and digital solicitation program.

• Plan year-round campaign themes and mail drops, growing the program to strategically send between 200,000 – 350,000 pieces mailed annually.
• Establish performance goals, evaluate progress through statistical reporting and analysis.
• Conceptualize themes; direct, review, and approve creative content in collaboration with Advancement Communications and the AVP – AGAE.
• Work closely with Foundation and University communications teams and others as needed to develop e-philanthropy, email, web efforts, and social media marketing and solicitation.
• Ensure creative content is aligned with current campaign messaging.

Oversee the Foundation’s annual Giving Day operation.

• Guide Giving Day strategy development.
• Day of tracking for gifts, dollars, and associated analytics.
• Maintain vendor relationships related to the givesooner.org platform and/or future Giving Day external partners.
  Develop annual giving strategic and operations plans.

Develop and implement a comprehensive plan and calendar for all phases of annual giving.

• Develop fundraising strategies that integrate university priorities and foundation campaign themes and messaging.
• Collaborate with university departments and academic units to develop annual solicitation plans and packaging for creative, high-end appeals inviting alumni and friends to participate in annual campaigns.
• Develop a stewardship plan for annual fund donors.
• Prepare innovative messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Create metrics and goals to track and monitor annual giving program and staff performance.
• Propose yearly budget recommendations for the program.
• Monitor and track direct mail, digital, and Giving Day expenditures to ensure sound fiscal management and compliance with the AGAE budget.

Supervise Director of Digital Donor Engagement and Director of Annual Giving.
Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong written, presentation, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to persuasively promote the university’s mission through email, video, and social media campaigns.
• Diplomatic and engaging, empathetic communications style.
• Fast-paced and results-oriented with the ability to work in a timely manner with multiple deadlines and competing requirements.
• Advanced composition, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Demonstration of good judgement, professionalism, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Excellent organizational skills: demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks.
• Strong managerial skills involving administrative processes and working with colleagues and support staff.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a fundraising team that includes communications, alumni engagement, major gifts, and others.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Mid-level-to-advanced data analysis.
• Occasional travel required.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Familiarity with donor database management.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a progressively responsible advancement role at a foundation, university, or other nonprofit organization.

Preferences

• Knowledge of statistics, reporting, and analytical tools preferred.
• Prefer five or more years of experience in annual giving in a university setting.
• Experience with large-scale giving day operations.
• Advanced degree in a related field.
• CFRE certification encouraged.

SALARY RANGE: Salary commensurate with experience