The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is essential to the planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous growth and development of Columbia’s annual giving program. The person in this position will play a key role in all aspects of the annual giving program including direct mail campaigns, development of goals and annual giving priorities, staff and faculty annual giving programs, and planning and assisting with virtual and in-person events. This newly created and growth-oriented position reports to the Director of Development.

This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Annual Giving Program to Include:

Direct Mail: 

• Lead all aspects of the direct mail program including development of an annual schedule, co-create print and digital content in collaboration with the team, manage mailing lists and analyze response

Giving Programs: 

• Promote and manage the staff and faculty giving campaign
• Play a key role in successfully planning and executing Columbia’s annual day of giving, Ever Faithful Day and lead efforts to grow this giving initiative over time
• Manage all aspects of the student calling program
• Promote and oversee the matching gift program

Events: 

• Plan and assist with virtual and in-person engagement events including working with vendors and volunteers, managing registration and assisting with program development

Constituent Engagement:

• Manage the use and expansion of Gratavid, a video stewardship platform. Continually seek out innovative ways to use the platform to engage various constituent groups in creative stewardship and solicitation endeavors
• Serve as an active solicitor to engage alumni as partners, advocates, and investors, including occasional travel, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of two years of fundraising experience with a demonstrated track record of success
• Experience designing and implementing annual giving programs

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of donor relations, commitment to a high level of professionalism and respect for all levels of donors as well as a commitment to helping to build a culture of philanthropy across all constituent groups
• Knowledge of best and emerging practices in the field of annual funds
• Experience creating fundraising content for online and offline channels and a high level of attentiveness to storytelling opportunities
• Ability to establish goals, structures, and processes necessary to manage multiple projects while adhering to deadlines
• Experience interpreting data and communicating results
• Proven competency with Raiser’s Edge NXT
• Experience with volunteer engagement
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and work with a variety of personality types
• Commitment to and understanding of inclusive communities

Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a community of theological inquiry and formation committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ. Established in the Reformed tradition, we embody an ecumenical spirit and welcome people of all denominational backgrounds.