Associate Director, Annual Giving

Chatham University welcomes your interest in employment opportunities and encourages you to review open positions. Please note that Chatham does not accept unsolicited applications.

The Associate Director, Annual Giving is a critical team player in achieving the University's annual giving fundraising and participation goals and for meeting goals for ongoing unrestricted operating support for the University.  Working with the Senior Director, Alumni and Donor Engagement, the Associate Director provides strategic direction and leadership for all annual fundraising and is responsible for meeting dollar, participation, and donor acquisition goals for unrestricted operating support.  

The Associate Director, Annual Giving manages all aspects of Annual Giving, including the Annual Fund, Student Engagement Program, Homecoming Reunion Giving, Day of Giving and other special crowdfunding initiatives, in addition to creating and executing a donor acquisition plan to expand Chatham's annual giving donor base and maximize support.  The Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing a robust plan to increase annual giving from alumni and non-alumni constituencies, including faculty/staff, parents, athletics prospects, campus neighbors, vendors, and others.  

In addition, the Associate Director, Annual Giving will plan, design, coordinate, and execute innovative appeal solicitations for all annual giving segments. S/he will work closely with University Advancement leadership to plan, execute, and analyze annual giving results; work closely with the Communications team to integrate social media engagement strategies and solicitation strategies; work effectively with campus partners; and prepare reports for donors, volunteers, and senior leadership. S/he will work to maximize leadership annual fund support and reunion giving through strategic management of a high volume, fluid portfolio of donors.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in annual fundraising, preferably in higher education, with evidence of success in exceeding annual dollar and acquisition goals.  Excellent communication skills, annual giving marketing expertise, bachelor's degree and strong work ethic are required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Achieve annual goals for unrestricted giving and alumni participation in annual giving programs.
• Develop and execute a donor acquisition plan to expand Chatham's annual giving donor base and maximize leadership annual giving support.
• Demonstrate and command a strong understanding of annual giving cycles, segmentation strategies, donors, and financial results.
• Develop and monitor the annual giving calendar of appeals and events as well as manage the budget.
• Work with the Senior Director to determine annual goals and to regularly monitor revenue and cash flow projections.
• This includes managing a work plan and measuring the effectiveness of annual fundraising efforts by agreed-upon metrics. Ensure that deadlines and benchmarks are met.
• Work closely with the Donor Services team to understand and provide monthly reporting.
• Develop a working knowledge of the University's alumni/donor database, utilize data to set benchmarks for monitoring progress and to develop strategies to meet challenges and maximize opportunities.
• Plan, direct and manage all aspects of the University's annual fundraising program for alumni, friends, parents, athletics, neighbors, vendors, trustees, and the campus community to meet annual fundraising goals and to increase the participation of all constituencies.
• Initiate and manage new programs to broaden the scope and impact of Annual Giving including a limited amount of restricted and project-related operating support.
• Help create and implement a robust and innovative marketing plan to promote and strengthen annual, unrestricted giving to Chatham.
• Create fundraising materials for current and prospective annual donors, including but not limited to letters, emails, newsletters, crowdfunding projects, proposals, PowerPoint presentations, and reports.
• Serve as the creative force behind Annual Giving themes, appeals, follow-up strategies and reports. Contribute to University publications to ensure maximum visibility for Annual Giving efforts.
• Contribute to the overall efforts of the University Advancement team through prospect identification, alumnae cultivation and stewardship, and staffing at UA events like Reunion, etc.
• Through the strategic management of a high volume, fluid portfolio of prospects, identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit new prospects, promoting annual unrestricted giving at and above the 1869 Society level ($1K+), and qualify prospects who can become $25,000+ donors to reassign to the major gifts team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• At least two to four years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors in order to develop and strengthen relationships with the University.
• Proven strength in interpersonal and communication skills-written and oral.
• Experience in successfully managing multiple, fast-paced projects independently.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Committed to working with diverse colleagues, students, and community members.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
• Ability to travel outside of the Pittsburgh region 3-5 times per year.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when required for special alumni and donor events or travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous fundraising, higher education, and/or nonprofit and project management experience.
• Previous experience mobilizing and motivating volunteers.
• Familiarity working with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Constant Contact, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Salary Range:

$45,000 - $55,000 annually. 40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience. 

How to Apply: 

Applications accepted only via Chatham Careers and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include: 

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
• Contact information for three professional references 

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.