Assistant Director of Annual Giving Programs and Direct Marketing

Assistant Director of Annual Giving Programs and Direct Marketing

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 Campaigns, managing the appeal schedule, assisting in crafting donor communications, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing strategies and improve donor engagement.

• Serve as the primary project manager for direct mail, email, text, crowdfunding, and digital campaigns.
• Strategy, design, and implementation of a comprehensive annual giving program for academic departments and programs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving Programs in planning and execution of the university’s Day of Giving and Faculty/Staff Campaigns.
• Oversee the division-wide appeal schedule, coordinating efforts across multiple channels to maintain consistency and effectiveness.
• Assist in creation and proofreading of solicitation appeals, pledge acknowledgements, stewardship gestures, and data files.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Public Relations and fellow division members to ensure cohesive messaging and branding.
• Analyze and utilize data to inform marketing strategies and improve donor engagement.
• Acquire and steward recurring annual giving donors, including gift anniversaries and annual giving society benefits.
• Provide support for division and campus-wide events.
• Maintain positive and professional customer service and relationships with all constituencies.
• Follow workplace safety regulations, report unsafe conditions, and participate in accident investigations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency 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.
• Strong managerial, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events.

Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree with experience approximating an advanced degree.

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

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

Christopher Newport University is an inclusive community dedicated to honor, scholarship, service, and leadership. With 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, CNU offers a strong liberal arts education, vibrant campus life, and a nationally recognized athletics program. Explore cnu.edu for more information.

Submit a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references. Applicants will be required to complete a CNU-sponsored background check.

Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Christopher Newport University, an EEO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity.