Assistant Director, Engagement and Annual Giving

Job Description:

The Assistant Director of Engagement and Annual Giving will drive and support key programs within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) to reach the University's goals. They will support programs that create meaningful connection points between alumni and friends through their shared experiences as Wittenberg Tigers. These programs will help bridge key affinity areas as well as alumni targeted in specific class years.

Goals of the work are designed to increase alumni connections to the University leading to increased philanthropic participation.

Essential Functions of Position

Alumni Engagement

• Partner with the Director of Alumni Programs to ignite meaningful relationships through outreach, communications and engagement opportunities encouraging lifelong involvement.
• Support strategies of Wittenberg University's alumni chapters, affinity groups, and class reunion initiatives both on campus (Homecoming) and regional events.
• Partner with campus stakeholders to ensure chapter, affinity, and reunion engagement is inclusive, mission-centered, and aligned with University values.
• Assist in planning and executing alumni events both on and off campus, including outbound communication, awareness, and day-of logistics and execution.

Annual Giving Development

• Assist the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Communications in annual giving outreach and stewardship efforts by creating ways to recognize and appreciate select groups of donors to the University.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Communications in engaging with alumni and donors to drive fundraising within reunion, affinity, and regional groups.
• Partner with campus stakeholders to drive engagement in key fundraising efforts throughout the year, including but not limited to Homecoming, Reunion Giving, Week for Witt, and Commit to Witt events.

Volunteer Engagement and Leadership Development

• Identify, recruit and support alumni volunteers to serve as leaders for regional chapters, class reunions, and specific affinity networks.
• Provide tools, guidance, and communication support to volunteers for successful volunteer engagement and collaboration.
• Track and report on volunteer activity, impact, and leadership development opportunities to determine success and areas where engagement can grow.

Digital Outreach & Awareness

• Partner directly with the Office of University Communications executing strategies for digital outreach of PAE stories and key messaging.
• Assist team in scheduling and posting social media, understanding digital media calendars across university social media platforms, tracking outreach, cadence, and impact of curated content.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of digital campaigns and platforms, using data to inform future outreach efforts.

Other Duties

• Demonstrate a commitment to a collegial and inclusive work environment in all aspects of the position.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality regarding donor, staff, and institutional information; adhere to PCI compliance and IRS gift acceptance guidelines.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; experience in donor engagement, volunteer management, and/or digital marketing preferred.
Strong relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to recognize and act on engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni belonging and participation.
A collaborative spirit with initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to Wittenberg University's mission and values.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment independently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with virtual meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom).
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Salesforce (or similar CRM/donor database systems), Hootsuite, and/or Give Campus are preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with higher education philanthropy and engagement, community building, or fundraising strategies.
• Experience in building and scaling people-centered programs.
• Knowledge of event coordination and logistics management.
• Wittenberg graduate given strong consideration in qualifications

Additional Information:

This position requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events, including Homecoming, Commencement, giving days (Commit to Witt), and donor events. The position is primarily on-site and requires consistent presence in the office to fulfill the responsibilities of building and phone coverage.

Physical Demands

Frequently remains stationary for more than 50% of the workday. Must be able to move throughout campus buildings for events and meetings. Ability to lift and carry items up to 30 lbs. for event setup and…