Rate: $53,940 – $62,000 @ 1.0 FTE

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement/SOU Foundation Executive Director, the Director of Annual Giving will play a pivotal role in increasing philanthropic support of Southern Oregon University. This position requires a strategic leader with a vision for increasing the number of donors annually, improving retention percentages, and coordinating upgrade strategies to impact a growing philanthropic pipeline to position SOU to engage in its first comprehensive campaign.

The Director provides leadership for SOU’s Annual Giving Program by developing and implementing a range of effective solicitation strategies, with particular attention to donor acquisition and retention of SOU alumni. This comprehensive strategy must maximize individual donor giving, with particular responsibility for increasing the number and size of gifts under $25,000.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and three to five of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, or related field. Demonstrated success developing and executing program initiatives and employing segmentation strategies as necessary to maximize results. Energetic, creative, and resourceful with demonstrated initiative in seeking increased contributions and engagement. Excellent communication skills with proven ability to engage prospective clients, customers, and donors in writing through articulate, compelling, and well-reasoned solicitations—using both traditional and digital platforms. Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to work on deadline and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. Proven record of working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to achieve goals in tandem with project partners.

Preferred Qualification:

Experience working in a higher education setting. Strong analytical and budgeting skills. Experience with donor database software (The Raiser’s Edge NXT or comparable system) and digital fundraising solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to collaborate particularly in the programs related to annual giving
• Knowledge of gift processing and stewardship policies and procedures, including IRS regulations. Organization, prioritization, judgment, discretion and problem-solving skills.
• A comprehensive understanding of Annual Giving program as a functional area, including gift processing, stewardship, donor relations, and customer service
• Ability to work under pressure in a thorough, organized, calm, and detail-oriented manner.
• Understanding of the confidential nature of fund raising efforts and donor information.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization.
• Working knowledge, or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies and procedures.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) letter providing some detail of the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position; (2) current resume/CV; (3) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references. If you are unable to attach the supplemental materials to the online application please contact Human Resources for assistance.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact: Human Resource Services via email at [email protected] or by phone at (541)552-8553

Special Conditions

• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
• Under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):

Notice to Prospective Employees

Section 485 of the Higher Education Act, and The Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (now referred to as the “Clery Act”),requires that prospective employees be notified of the availability of SOU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report provides the annual statistics and campus policies for the reporting of and responding to campus crimes and fires; access to campus facilities; conduct code and campus policies on use, possession and sale of drugs/alcohol; and educational/information programs to inform the campus community about campus security procedures and crime prevention.

Diversity Statement

Southern Oregon University is a welcoming community committed to inclusive excellence and the celebration of diversity. Without diversity, our educational process is diminished. Working together in support of our commitment to diversity, we strengthen and enrich our role as learners, educators and members of a tightly connected global community. We encourage those who share in our commitment to diversity, to join our community and we expect all our employees to demonstrate an ability and desire to create an inclusive campus community.