Director of Archway Annual Giving

Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, NE Full-time Education

Posted on May 26, 2023

Nebraska Wesleyan University is seeking a full-time Director of Archway Annual Giving working within the Advancement department who will be responsible for the planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive annual giving effort to sustain and continually increase annual gifts to build a long-term base of support for the Archway Fund and the University. The annual giving program generates the unrestricted income needed to support operating expenses and sustain the University's mission, paying particular attention to campaign readiness, specific financial and donor-base growth goals, expected results, and budgetary needs.

This position reports to the Vice President for Advancement and requires cross-functional relationships with the Marketing Department, Enrollment Management and the President's Office. The successful incumbent will exhibit aptitude for working in a team environment. This position will utilize various communication channels including, but not limited to, phone, direct mail, email, social media, and web to accomplish set goals related to annual giving and donor relations, with a focus on donor acquisition. While the position is a salaried position that will work 45 hours per week on average, the hours will vary during the year due to the department need and job responsibilities.

NWU offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits plan including Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability benefits, Retirement, seven weeks of paid time off per year as an exempt employee through vacation and holidays, and 100% tuition discount for dependents after one year of service.

Responsibilities:

Plan and implement the Archway Fund annual giving program to generate the unrestricted income needed to support operating expenses and sustain the University's mission.
Use data-informed decision-making to accurately and efficiently assess donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and participation goals, applying best practices to plan the direction of short-term and long-range goals.
Manage a small leadership level donor portfolio and identify planned giving and campaign prospects.
Manage comprehensive engagement/cultivation plan for key annual fund constituencies to increase affinity for the University and improve the sustainability of the donor pipeline through philanthropy education and stewardship that will attain immediate and long-term fundraising goals.
Manage administration and segmentation of annual fund gift acknowledgments, including stewardship and pledge reminders.
Oversee the implementation of Nebraska Wesleyan's annual Giving Day to acquire new donors, engage the NWU community, educate current students, provide volunteer opportunities, and increase donor giving to the Archway Fund.
Oversee the implementation of Nebraska Wesleyan's Phonation student engagement program by coordinating Phonathon strategies with general Archway Fund strategies.
Oversee the annual giving communication strategy, including social media; develop, implement, track, and assess new creative and effective fundraising appeals through print and digital solicitations using strategic segmentation to sustain, acquire, and reactivate annual giving donors over time.
Coordinate Nebraska Wesleyan's philanthropy social media committee to steward and engage current donors and volunteers, educate NWU students and alums about philanthropy at NWU and retain and acquire donors and volunteers.
Supervise two direct reports within the Archway Fund and Communications Team and manage the day-to-day areas of focus and performance.
Develop and monitor the budget for annual fund programs, proactively research emerging trends and industry standards, and manage cross-team projects.
Perform other duties fundamental to being a member of the Advancement Program.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications or related field.
3+ years of experience in marketing, fundraising or related field.
Possess strong analytical skills, communication skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks in a high volume environment.
Must be computer proficient, with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications including Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, One Note and SharePoint.
Must be able to maintain and be responsible for confidential information, accuracy and ongoing record-keeping.
Experience with direct mail, email and digital marketing strongly preferred.
Understanding of fundraising best practices strongly preferred.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to pay close attention to detail, proofread and ensure accuracy of data and reports.
Ability to negotiate with others and resolve conflicts, particularly in sensitive situations.
Must have high initiative, confidence, integrity, strong work ethic, and desire to consistently improve internal processes.

Commitment to Diversity:

Diversity is a core value of Nebraska Wesleyan University's mission and we embrace it as a source of strength. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how they are able to enhance and embrace this University core value in a diversity statement submitted as part of their application materials.

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons in all areas of university operation without regard to religion or creed, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual identity and orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, race, or national or ethnic origin, in compliance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title XII, Title IX, and the ADA. E-Verify, EOE.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a resume, a diversity statement as a writing sample, and the names of three professional references at the following URL: https://nebrwesleyan.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.