Director of Annual Giving

About the Position

Saint Ignatius High School, a highly successful Jesuit college preparatory school for boys in Cleveland, Ohio, is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and energetic Director of Annual Giving.

The Director of Annual Giving will identify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward Saint Ignatius High School and Welsh Academy Annual Fund donors. In addition, the Director will generate annual revenue for the operating budget through direct mail solicitations, events, various communication programs, individual meetings and a data-driven, analytical approach.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and an outstanding work environment. Saint Ignatius was recognized by NorthCoast 99 as one of Northeast Ohio's Top Workplaces in both 2024 and 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Vice President Institutional Advancement and Director of Development to develop and position annual giving goals and priorities consistent with the school's operating needs and mission.
• Manage the annual giving program and Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund programs. Coordinate all necessary tasks to meet operating budget goal.
• Analyze results, revise plans, and implement new programs as needed.
• Write and produce solicitation letters, program brochures, e-mail blasts, articles for publication and all annual fund printed materials.
• Working with the Director of Development, serve as manager for a portfolio leadership level donor prospects ($1,500 or more) using a Moves Management process.
• As a key member of the advancement team, work with the president, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Director of Development, major gifts team and other staff to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward leadership gifts among the alumni, parents and friends of the school.
• Oversee a strategy to grow the number of 1886 Society annual fund donors and Young Alumni 1886 Society members by acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors.
• Work effectively with colleagues to maintain a donor-centered approach while promoting annual giving with major and planned giving prospects.
• Conduct regular analysis and review of Annual Fund performance metrics. Generate appropriate reports and data for Advancement Department. Conduct various Annual Fund outreach and stewardship events throughout the year including Giving Day, Alumni Challenge, texting, and others to be determined throughout the year.
• Oversee reunion-based fundraising program (in conjunction with the Alumni Challenge) in close collaboration with the Director of Alumni Relations. Determine strategy, recruit volunteer leadership, and monitor class progress to ensure Reunion financial goals are met.
• Work with Communications Department to implement Annual Fund messaging and call-to-action in school outlets, including email, social media, print media, etc.
• Enhance the school's use of digital marketing (email, websites, social media) and analytics to improve segmentation and messaging and to create a personal and positive experience for donors.
• Collaborate with Director of Parent Programs to develop a formal parent annual giving program and identify potential leadership donors within the current parent community.
• Working with the Director of Donor Relations, appropriately acknowledge all gifts to the annual fund in a meaningful, creative and personal way. Enhance and ensure special recognition and gift acknowledgement programs for 1886 Society members.
• Conduct 3-5 meetings per month with Annual Fund donors, with focus on leadership donors/prospects. Maintain complete and timely records of contacts with donors/prospects.
• As a member of the advancement team, the annual fund director is available to assist at all special events and attends a limited number of alumni receptions in Cleveland and around the country.
• Interact with other school administrators, faculty and staff to consult on school needs to assist in meeting strategies with donors/prospects.
• Maintain and monitor the annual fund budget.
• Stay abreast of annual giving best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Cultivate a professional network of colleagues at other institutions to serve as a resource for new ideas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Three to five years of professional development experience, including a successful track record with direct mail, data analysis, and individual gift solicitation
• Experience with Raiser's Edge/NXT or a similar CRM is preferred
• Willingness to travel and work nights and weekends
• Strong communication skills, both in writing and speaking
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of Jesuit and Catholic education