The Director of Annual Giving Programs will lead the expansion of existing annual fundraising efforts and implement new initiatives to help transform Annual Giving at UNH into a high-caliber, high-ROI program that reflects the unique culture, mission, goals, and strategic plans of the university. S/he will work closely with donors, alumni, faculty, staff, community members, families, board members, senior leadership, and Development/Advancement colleagues on the planning and decision making around these fundraising efforts, build pipelines of prospective donors, and strengthen the foundation of a comprehensive campaign.

Acceptable minimum level of education: Bachelor’s Degree

Acceptable minimum years of experience: 5-7 Years

Additional Job Information: 

The Director of Annual Giving Programs will join the University of New Hampshire Foundation at an inflection point as we move forward with the quiet phase of an ambitious fundraising campaign. This position builds and expands relationships with constituents in ways that have a quantifiable impact on philanthropic achievement for UNH. S/he will drive entrepreneurial initiatives and new engagement practices through which UNH can capitalize on the energy of a passionate and loyal constituent base. The incumbent will embrace goal-oriented outcomes and will be a strategic, creative thinker who is passionate about the fundraising potential for UNH. S/he will have a proven track record in fundraising or a closely related field of expertise and will possess outstanding interpersonal competencies, ability to effectively manage staff, and be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Front-Line Fundraising:
  • Manage and actively expand a portfolio consisting of supporters from assigned units capable of making leadership annual gifts up to $25,000; maintain frequent contact with these individuals to build relationships and increase philanthropic support.
  • Conduct 50-75 visits annually with individuals via Zoom, phone, and/or in-person; meeting this activity goal will require travel across the state, region, and, on occasion, the U.S.
  • Solicit gifts to achieve both personal and program-wide annual revenue goals and alumni/donor participation goals.
  • Partner with colleagues across Development/Advancement to plan effective engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that will move prospects forward.
  • Qualify prospects for potential Annual Giving capacity and interest and provide background to appropriate colleagues to effectively move individuals through their philanthropic journey with UNH.
• Fundraising Initiatives & Program Management:
  • Provide university-wide leadership on The (603) Challenge, including securing underwriter funds, setting overall strategies/messaging/tactics, coordinating multi-channel outreach and partnering with faculty and staff from assigned units to participate.
  • Oversee all fundraising direct marketing efforts and communications being executed (mail, phone, email, social media, web, etc.) and provide guidance on strategies/messaging/tactics. Utilize predictive analytics scores and other tools available for segmentation and prioritization.
  • Oversee the student philanthropy center and provide direction to the student leaders and employees on their solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship activities; including but not limited to training, coaching and motivating the students.
  • Consult with faculty and staff in assigned units to provide guidance on any fundraising efforts they may be conducting to ensure they have a coordinated strategy and follow UNH Foundation policies and procedures.
  • Engage, educate and train key volunteers on fundraising strategies and recruit new volunteers.
  • Work collaboratively across the entire Development and Advancement teams to support both the division and university in its fundraising goals and strategic plans.
  • Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising events, programs and initiatives; including but not limited to board meetings, engagement and cultivation events and related programming.
• Strategic Planning & Management:
  • Manage the Annual Giving team members of assigned units, comprised of Annual Giving Officers and Annual Giving Associates.
  • Oversee the implementation of effective fundraising strategies for assigned units that align with leadership vision and priorities, and also with Development’s overall strategy for the university that aims to significantly increase the fundraising program as part of the comprehensive campaign.
  • Lead the determination process for annual fundraising metrics and goals, regularly monitoring progress through reporting; work to ensure these goals are achieved.
  • Oversee preparation of reports, proposals, brochures, and other materials for various Development programs.
  • Manage program budgets.

Other Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience (or equivalent experience e.g. sales/marketing
• Demonstrated experience with Annual Giving strategies and donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Demonstrated understanding of the relevance of philanthropy
• Demonstrated experience managing professional staff, especially in a metrics-driven environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, about fundraising support; requires the ability to build rapport in an open, friendly, and accepting way, listen attentively and change the thinking of, or gain acceptance of, others in sensitive situations
• Strong interpersonal skills including negotiation and communication; able to reach across a wide variety of audiences for different areas of ethics and compliance
• Sensitivity and experience interacting with internal and external constituents who are diverse in characteristics such as age, education level, race, gender identity and expression, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a culturally competent and supportive manner
• Demonstrated understating of the responsibility to maintain sensitive information
• Sound judgment and ability to work well as part of a team, including collaboration with diverse university units and others
• Ability to provide effective project management
• Ability to travel on behalf of the university including local, regional, and domestic trips
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and advancement

Additional Prefferal Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the fundraising profession, theories, and standards
• Knowledge of philanthropy policies, practices, and systems
• Familiarity with a university setting
• Proficiency in database technologies and Microsoft Office
• Experience with volunteer management

Salary Information: Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information, and political orientation. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.