Director of Annual Giving

About the Role

The Director of Annual Giving oversees the organization, planning, and execution of annual giving programs and a team to expand annual giving by all constituents to the college. This position is responsible for procuring primarily annual gifts and providing foundations for restricted and deferred gifts to the College in accordance with the department’s goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive program of individual gifts fundraising, with a focus on annual giving.
• Engage in strategic planning and program management.
• Lead the Annual Fund team and efforts to reach participation and dollar goals as well as the overall advancement of Rhodes development and constituent engagement efforts.
• Recruit, educate, manage, motivate, and evaluate Annual Fund staff.
• Serve on one‑day challenge leadership teams for any annual giving effort, including the Athletic and Annual Fund days of giving.
• Cultivate and maintain favorable relationships with a portfolio of prospects and donors to secure philanthropic investments in Rhodes.
• Solicit major and deferred gifts and leadership annual gifts through one‑on‑one visits, strategy development, proposal design, and closing.
• Provide excellent stewardship to donors in recognition of their investments.
• Meet annual donor visit and solicitation goals.
• Collaborate with division staff to broaden the base of gift prospects and develop innovative programs aligned with the College’s highest funding priorities, including a comprehensive capital campaign.
• Run mini‑campaigns and projects as assigned.
• Supervise four staff members: three assistant directors, a development assistant, and student employees.
• Travel extensively as required; occasional night/weekend responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Four (4) years of development, sales, marketing, or project management experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities, solve problems, and demonstrate leadership.
• Strong public‑relating skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and insurability by the College’s insurance carrier.
• Extensive travel at times; occasional night/weekend responsibilities.
• Successful completion of a background screening, including a credit history check, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws.

Physical Demands

• Light work in a general office environment; primarily seated.
• Frequent computer work, keyboard use, and telecommunications.
• Frequent manual dexterity for keyboard and writing activities.
• Frequent visual acuity for reading print and electronic documents.
• Rare occasional reaching and pushing/pulling with up to 10 lb of force.
• Occasional mobility to move about the office and to/from the building.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Time (23 days)
• Sick Time (12 days)
• Paid Holidays (21 days)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long‑Term & Short‑Term Disability
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Tuition Remission