We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Director for Annual Giving to lead a comprehensive, strategic annual giving program focused on gifts under $25,000. This role prioritizes growing alumni donor participation through acquisition, renewal, and reactivation strategies. By designing and implementing targeted solicitation and engagement efforts, the Director will build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support and achieve ambitious giving goals for UCF.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Marketing Strategies: Plan and implement multi-channel direct marketing campaigns, including email, social media, text messaging, and direct mail, to engage alumni and friends.

• Drive Digital Innovation: Propel UCF to a best-in-class, digital-first fundraising model to boost giving rates, alumni donor counts, and annual contributions.

• Program & Team Management: Assists in the oversight of the operations, budget, and goal setting for the annual giving program, including managing a high-performing team.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with colleagues across Advancement and university units to align strategies and maximize impact.

• Utilize Data-Driven Insights: Regularly analyze campaign performance, test innovative approaches, and adjust strategies to achieve optimal results.

• Vendor Partnerships: Manage relationships with key external vendors and leverage their expertise to enhance program success.

• Develop Compelling Campaigns: Work with communications teams to create innovative concepts and messages that resonate with UCF’s diverse audience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.  Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education fundraising setting. 

• Expertise in direct marketing strategies, particularly in higher education or nonprofit settings.

• Experience with CRM systems such as Blackbaud CRM, Marketing Cloud, or Raiser’s Edge.

• Advanced knowledge of digital fundraising tools and platforms.

• Strong data analysis skills and a track record of implementing successful data-driven strategies.

• Proven experience leading annual giving programs or donor acquisition initiatives.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities: 

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and digital and mailed philanthropic trends.

• A collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Creativity and innovation in campaign development and donor engagement.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Advancement and Partnerships values the unique contributions that each team member brings to our division. The determination of a successful candidate’s starting salary will vary based on several factors, including education and relevant experience. The anticipated pay scale indicated for this position generally applies to candidates who meet the minimum requirements and several of the preferred qualifications outlined above.

We will accept applications for this position through Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM. The University of Central Florida is closed for holiday break from Thursday, December 19, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Our search efforts will resume after the university closure, with interviews anticipated the third week of January 2025.