Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Development, the Director of Annual Giving leads a comprehensive annual giving program to secure, retain, and grow philanthropic support for the University of Wyoming (UW). This position oversees recurring giving, leadership and annual giving, student and recent alumni engagement, digital and print appeals, Giving Day, and crowdfunding campaigns. The Director plays a key role in sustaining a healthy donor pipeline, particularly within the context of fundraising campaigns and a renewed focus on donor engagement.

This position manages a team and is responsible for setting strategy, implementing best practices, and ensuring annual giving efforts align with UW Foundation (UWF) priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development & Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute a multi-channel annual giving strategy that aligns with UW Foundation (UWF) goals and priorities.
• Analyze historical UWF giving trends and conduct SWOT analyses to identify opportunities for program growth.
• Incorporate strategic guidance from the Director of Strategy and Pipeline Development and actively contribute to campaign strategy discussions.

Collaboration & Partnerships:

• Partner with Marketing and Communications to align messaging and enhance donor engagement.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, ensuring data-driven decision-making and continuous innovation in fundraising approaches.
• Develop trust-based relationships with campus partners to secure fundraising priorities, impact stories, media support, and coordinated timelines.

Fundraising Execution & Innovation:

• Oversee the planning and execution of Giving Day and crowdfunding campaigns, ensuring high levels of participation and donor engagement.
• Leverage industry best practices and emerging trends to enhance donor outreach and retention strategies.
• Research and recommend external vendors and fundraising platforms to optimize campaign effectiveness.

Operational Excellence & Data Management:

• Develop a strategic annual giving calendar with clear goals and accountability measures for team members.
• Ensure all fundraising platforms are donor-friendly, secure, and aligned with UW’s institutional standards.
• Stay proficient in relevant databases, data privacy policies, and fundraising tools to support seamless donor engagement.

Professional Development & Industry Engagement:

• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies through professional development, conferences, and peer networking.

COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to Detail
• Influence
• Team Leadership
• Individual Leadership
• Sensitivity
• Strategic Planning
• Time Management
• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Professional Knowledge

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience

EXPERIENCE: 5 years of nonprofit, higher education, alumni association, annual giving, and/or development experience

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Experience leading a program from concept and strategy to execution and analysis
• Experience securing buy-in and support from stakeholders
• Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency using professional software technology.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, to manage concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to deal with changing priorities, while maintaining personal effectiveness.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other University personnel and the public
• Experience in data strategy

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application.  The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected]. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

Join Our Campus Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming.  Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.