Director of Annual Giving

The Director of the Annual Giving is responsible for the overall management and strategic execution of Annual Giving, including the Annual Fund–which raises over $3.5 million and accounts for 7-9% of the school’s operating budget–and the Senior Fund, which raises $600k-$1million for special projects. 

In addition to achieving ambitious fundraising goals, the Director collaborates closely with the Advancement and Alumnae teams to engage constituents and ensure high giving participation across all segments, with particular emphasis on achieving 98%+ parent participation and 35%+ alumnae participation.

Key aspects of the role include developing and executing strategic plans and marketing for the Annual and Senior Funds; managing a portfolio of prospects; cultivating, soliciting, and closing leadership and broad-based annual gifts; recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers; overseeing key events such as the New Parent Party, Kickoff, Phonathon, Senior Parent Reception, and Annual Giving Appreciation Reception; tracking and reporting data; and driving digital and social media engagement in partnership with the Digital Engagement Manager. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and lead Annual Fund and Senior Fund strategies, including planning and oversight of multi-channel campaigns.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors; cultivate, solicit, and close major annual fund and senior fund gifts, with a focus on leadership giving and broader base support.

• Plan and implement multi-channel Annual Giving appeals (mail, email, digital ads, social media, texting) with support from Digital Engagement Manager.

• Draft Annual Giving letters, appeals, and personalized acknowledgement letters for key constituencies (alumnae, current parents, friends, Senior Fund).

• Recruit, train, and manage 100+ volunteers, assign prospects, maintain communication, and track progress throughout the campaign. 

• Oversee organization of events such as the New Parent Party, Kickoff, Phonathon, Senior Parent Reception, and Annual Giving Appreciation event.

• Manage new parent assignments and coordinate follow up for Advancement team members.
• Engage alumnae in giving efforts through coordinated efforts with the Alumnae Office. 
• Track and analyze giving and participation trends using Raiser’s Edge reports, generating detailed progress updates for Advancement leadership and the Board of Trustees. 
• Evaluate donor behavior and use data to inform segmentation and targeted messaging for increased giving.
• Analyze response to campaign efforts and adjust strategy based on performance insights.
• Support Director of Operations for Advancement and Career Services with the Annual Report and external surveys (e.g., DASL, INDEX)

• Stay current on annual giving trends, innovations, and best practices in independent school fundraising and apply them to enhance program success.

• Use Raiser’s Edge to manage donor data, generate lists and reports, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach. 
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Confidential, deadline- and goal-oriented, team player
• Exceptional management skills, both strategic and operational, and a commitment to a team-based approach to personnel and program management
• Ability to work independently and creatively within established guidelines, while at the same time functioning as a member of a team in a complex fundraising and engagement environment.
• Proficient at Microsoft Office Suite, Raiser’s Edge (or similar CRM), Finalsite, and social media platforms
• High level of discretion and respect for donor confidentiality.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• A minimum of five years’ experience in the field of fundraising, preferably annual giving and volunteer management, ideally in an independent school.