Executive Director, Annual Giving

At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big, drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work.

Structure

The Executive Director of Annual Giving is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving.

Focus

The Executive Director is responsible for leading the development and implementation of effective multi-channel solicitation programs to support the priorities of University of Cincinnati and UC Foundation. The Executive Director leads a team in the management and execution of a comprehensive annual giving fundraising program through direct marketing, annual leadership giving, and pipeline development strategies designed to align and galvanize our alumni and donors to advance fundraising priorities. Using an omnichannel approach that incorporates digital and print assets, as well as personalized outreach, the Executive Director optimizes resources to create a cohesive brand experience with an emphasis on promoting philanthropy intended to yield annual fund participation.

Specific Duties

• Lead the overall strategic direction of the annual giving omnichannel fundraising program, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with university and foundation priorities.
• Drive annual giving fundraising results to achieve annual fundraising goals for gifts under $25,000 through omnichannel direct marketing and annual leadership giving.
• Provide strategic oversight for all core annual giving direct marketing campaigns. Create and execute a 12-month omnichannel annual giving fundraising plan. Core components include direct mail, email, video, web, social media, environmental graphics, digital ads and other channels, as determined. Develop compelling messaging, ensure accuracy, meet deadlines, collaborate with campus partners and external vendors, and secure necessary approvals.
• Provide strategic oversight for the UC Foundation’s urgency campaign strategy. Oversee the fundraising efforts for Giving Tuesday, UC Day of Giving and the crowdfunding program, including managing the creation and execution of omnichannel fundraising efforts.
• Provide strategic oversight for the UC Foundation’s Annual Leadership Giving program and Digital Philanthropy Center outreach. Oversee staff as they deploy omnichannel solicitations through a combination of personal calls, text, direct mail, virtual meetings, videos, and other methods to build relationships and drive growth in the $1,000 to $25,000 gift band and increase overall annual fund participation through student caller fundraising.
• Identify new strategies to improve results for existing fundraising outreach including core campaigns, Athletics annual giving, giving days, Digital Philanthropy Center, annual leadership giving, pipeline development, annual giving reporting and all other components of the annual giving program.
• Evaluate emerging digital fundraising trends, technology solutions, and industry best practices to identify opportunities for advancement.
• Serve as the annual giving email specialist, optimizing email campaigns and testing new strategies.
• Develop and deliver engagement tactics through all modes of engagement, specifically the communication mode, that are interactive, meaningful and informative communications that support the institution’s mission, strategic goals and reputation. Ensure alumni who have communicated with the institution or taken action through digital communications are tracked and actions are reflected in the annual engaged alumni count. 
• Provide strategic oversight for Annual Giving technology platforms, vendors, and operational resources to ensure they support program goals and donor experiences.
• Lead the Annual Giving team’s audience development effort to drive revenue and engagement in support of the University of Cincinnati, UC Alumni Association, UC Foundation and other strategic initiatives.
• Utilize best practices in reporting and analytics to drive informed reporting strategies internally. Develop content and/or produce innovative reports for all areas of the annual giving team to share results with leadership, internal and external partners. Standardize and prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports. Serve as a key reporting resource for Alumni & Annual Giving leadership.
• Utilize fundraising analytics, reporting tools, and performance data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunities, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners that drive cross-departmental success through effective collaboration and open communication.
• Lead, motivate and manage annual giving staff; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Manage the annual giving budget and maximize allocated resources.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Division by producing creative ideas that elevate the success of University Advancement, generate annual fund support and increase alumni engagement.
• As a member of the Alumni & Annual Giving team, support the department’s university-wide alumni engagement efforts, participating in the execution of Homecoming and Alumni Week experiences.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree with 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education annual giving fundraising or an advanced degree with 5-7 years of experience.
• Ability to lead staff, prepare and deliver presentations, manage relationships with internal and external partners, work both independently and collaboratively. Self-motivated, team-player with prior management experience.
• Strong understanding of HTML in email marketing and website management.
• Experience in digital and electronic communications including content management, PowerPoint, excel and Microsoft office products.
• Proven skills in organizational planning, interpersonal, written, and verbal communications; a persuasive and passionate communicator and leader.
• Ability to analyze data in order to develop solicitation strategies, measure outcomes, and create and execute viable operational plans.
• Knowledge and experience using fundraising databases required. Experience with Blackbaud CRM preferred.
• Organizational ability, timeliness and attention to detail required. Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities, produce quality work and meet strict deadlines with 100% accuracy.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, honesty and accountability.

What We Offer

The anticipated starting salary range for the Executive Director, Annual Giving role is $120,000 to $135,000 annually. When determining final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.

At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee’s peace of mind and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page.

Physical Demands

This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up a negligible of force constantly to move objects. This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:

• Reaching
• Lifting
• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, this position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

Pre-Hire Requirements

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification.