Assistant Director of Donor

Position Objective

Reporting to the director of leadership annual giving and donor experience, the Assistant Director of Donor Experience is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual gifts from donors, alumni, parents, and friends. The incumbent will build a donor pipeline, increase donor retention and acquisition, and support the university’s fundraising goals using cutting‑edge digital engagement tools for personal outreach within an assigned portfolio.

As a member of the central annual giving team, the assistant director works closely with school‑based and central development and alumni relations colleagues and represents multiple schools/units across the university.

• Manage and build relationships with a portfolio of 750‑1,000 annual giving prospects ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, implementing strategic cultivation and solicitation strategies to meet defined revenue and retention goals.
• Identify prospects with the capacity for major or planned gifts and partner with school‑based and central colleagues, including the Office of Strategic Giving, to advance gift conversations.
• Establish a regular cadence of engagement touchpoints via in‑person and digital channels—social media, email, text, video—to build rapport and maintain donor communication that highlights the impact of their gifts.
• Steward and solicit donors in a targeted, high‑velocity manner to support the university’s annual giving fundraising goals.
• Co‑design and implement the long‑term strategy for a comprehensive annual giving digital engagement program, ensuring consistent strengthening of donor relationships through platforms and technologies.
• Develop new digital engagement fundraising strategies—including customized plans—to engage donors, alumni, parents, and friends in raising private support.
• Analyze data and benchmark program progress, preparing regular feedback and reports on activity success while recommending future directions.

• At least 3 years of professional experience in a related field, preferably including 1 year of fundraising experience.
• Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Strategic, creative approach to engaging members of an assigned portfolio, both en masse and individually.
• Experience with digital platforms for engaging donors and adopting innovative fundraising technologies.
• Ability to inspire and share impact stories verbally and through visual mediums.
• Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, independent initiative, and multiple‑project management.
• Optimistic, persevering, and positive attitude.
• High energy, creativity, flexibility, organization, and excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and donors face to face.
• Availability for work outside regular office hours as required.
• Consistent attendance and computer proficiency (Microsoft Office).
• Commitment to supporting, educating, and advocating for all students in alignment with the university’s values and mission.
• Willingness to learn and work with AI tools and technologies.

General office environment with occasional nights and weekend hours.