Assistant Director of Annual Giving Programs and Direct Marketing

Position Information

Working Title:

Assistant Director of Annual Giving Programs and Direct Marketing
Position Number: FA313
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type:
Full Time

Sensitive Position:
This position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Campus Security Authority:
The role is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), carrying significant responsibility for student and campus activities. The CSA must report any crime to University Police and undergo annual training required by the Department of Education.

This position leads and manages direct mail, email, text, crowdfunding, and digital campaigns, ensuring timely execution and alignment with fundraising goals. It involves designing and implementing a comprehensive annual giving program for academic departments and programs, collaborating on the university’s Day of Giving and Faculty/Staff Campaign, managing the appeal schedule, crafting and proofreading donor communications, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing strategies, and improving donor engagement.

The role also manages the acquisition and stewardship of recurring annual donors, overseeing recognition programs and engagement strategies.

• Serves as the primary project manager for direct mail, email, text, crowdfunding, and digital campaigns, ensuring timely execution and alignment with goals.
• Responsible for the strategy, design, and implementation of a comprehensive annual giving program for academic departments and programs with the goal of increasing donor participation.
• Collaborates with the Director of Annual Giving Programs in the planning and execution of the university’s annual Day of Giving and Faculty/Staff Campaigns.
• Oversees the division-wide appeal schedule, coordinating efforts across multiple channels to maintain consistency and effectiveness and prevent donor fatigue.
• Assists in the creation and proofreading of solicitation appeals, pledge acknowledgements, stewardship gestures, and datafiles.
• Collaborates with the Office of Communications and Public Relations and fellow division members to ensure cohesive messaging, branding, and implementation.
• Responsible for analyzing and utilizing data to inform marketing strategies and improve donor engagement.
• Responsible for the acquisition and stewardship of recurring annual giving donors, including gift anniversaries and annual giving society benefits.
• Provides support for division and campus-wide events.
• Ensures compliance with sexual violence redress policies and reporting duties as a responsible employee.
• Maintains professional customer service and relationships with all constituencies, supporting the university’s “Student’s First” value.
• Follows workplace safety regulations and reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or investigations to the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer skills in database management, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Managerial, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend events.

Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree.

• Demonstrated experience in managing, designing, and implementing programs and marketing materials – including direct mail, email, text, crowdfunding, and digital campaigns.
• Background in fundraising or development operations.
• Experience working in a customer service environment.

Salary Information:
Starting at $58,500, commensurate with education and experience.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a leading regional public university in Virginia and the South. With a diverse student body, vibrant campus life, and a strong commitment to scholarship, service, and leadership, CNU offers an outstanding liberal arts education. For more information, visit cnu.edu.