Executive Director of Engagement and Annual Giving

Executive Director of Engagement and Annual Giving

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In surveying the grounds of what is now Wittenberg University, the Rev. Ezra Keller, the college's first president and founder, remarked: "This is a lovely spot for a literary institution." Today, that lovely spot encompasses more than 100 acres of rolling hills and hollows in southwestern Ohio, with architecturally distinctive structures that embrace Wittenberg's past and provide a beautiful backdrop to the teaching excellence and Lutheran‑affiliated learning environment that has defined Wittenberg University since its founding in 1845.

Nationally recognized for accessible professors, engaging classroom experiences, service opportunities, and valued athletics traditions, Wittenberg is home to 1,200 students, 30 majors, 3 graduate programs, a wealth of pre‑professional and cooperative programs, and 25 varsity sports.

Wittenberg University is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package that attracts and retains talent to further the university's mission and contributes to the personal and financial well‑being of employees and their families. From healthcare to our tuition benefit to vacation and holidays, our goal is to help our employees enjoy happy and healthy lifestyles, while maintaining a good work‑life balance.  

to learn more about Wittenberg's employee benefits.

Job Description:

The Executive Director of Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and oversight for the programs, personnel, and initiatives that strengthen relationships between alumni, friends, and the university. Reporting to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, this position is responsible for advancing both alumni engagement and annual giving outcomes by leading a cohesive team focused on increasing participation, philanthropic support, and lifelong connection to Wittenberg.

The Executive Director develops and executes integrated strategies that align engagement and philanthropy, manages constituent communications, and fosters a culture of involvement and generosity across the university community. This is a full‑time, exempt‑level position.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Provides vision, leadership, and management for the university's comprehensive engagement and annual giving programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) priorities.
• Oversees, in close collaboration with the Sr Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Communications, the planning, development, and execution of multi‑channel annual giving and communication strategies, including direct mail, digital outreach, crowdfunding, and reunion‑based fundraising.
• Oversees, in close collaboration with the Director of Alumni Programs, the design and implementation of a comprehensive alumni engagement program and plan emphasizing participation, volunteer leadership, and connection through regional chapters, affinity groups, regional events, and campus events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend and reunions.
• Oversees the design and implementation of special giving initiatives and campaigns to include A Week for Witt and Commit to Witt.
• Supervises and mentors the annual giving and alumni engagement staff members, including appropriate student employees and volunteers.
• Establishes measurable goals for alumni participation, donor retention, and philanthropic revenue; monitors progress through data analysis and regular reporting to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
• Serves as a key partner with PAE leadership, University Communications, campus partners, and third‑party vendors to ensure consistent, brand‑aligned messaging that integrates engagement and fundraising priorities.
• Develops and stewards…