Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Posted on 07/30/2021

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC

Position Summary: 

UNC Asheville is the University of North Carolina System’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university. Originally founded in 1927 as a two-year junior college, the University has been a cornerstone in the Asheville community for nearly a century.
The Assistant Director of Annual Giving drives fundraising success by developing and implementing multichannel cultivation and solicitation strategies for donors who give gifts up to $25,000 per year. The position will carry a portfolio of leadership annual donors, engaging them digitally and through other media to inspire them to give and advocate for others to give.
It is essential for the position to drive growth of the annual fund (beyond the current level of ~$2 million) as the University undertakes a comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Assistant Director will conceive, design, and implement various fundraising campaigns that speak to the philanthropic interests of specific donor segments and that motivate individuals to make regular annual donations. This work will happen in close collaboration with the alumni/friend engagement team to ensure that the University inspires engaged alumni and friends to donate. This position also works closely with donor relations to ensure all annual fund donors are appropriately acknowledged for their giving and understand the impact of their giving.
The Assistant Director plays key roles in all aspects of annual fundraising, including direct mail, email solicitation, social media solicitation, deploying give-to-get incentives, video production, developing giving forms, developing graphics, and making website updates. Key to success in the role will be the recruitment and mobilization of volunteer advocates who will engage their networks and encourage giving.
Additionally, the position works in close collaboration with the many departments within Advancement and across campus, including advancement services, the alumni/friend engagement team, donor relations, athletics, communication & marketing, academic departments, and others.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience: 
  • Master’s degree. May also consider a bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience.
  • Two to three years of experience in fundraising with a focus on annual fund campaigns.
  • All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Experience: 

  • Master’s degree in English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
  • Prior experience in fundraising, particularly in Annual giving with demonstrated experience in best-practices of fundraising operations is strongly preferred.
  • The Assistant Director will have at least two years of experience in using social media for a business or organization, as well as experience with email and direct mail cultivation and solicitation.
  • Comfort with Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising database/CRM software preferred.
  • Familiarity with texting campaigns preferred.
  • Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud applications for graphic design is preferred, as is experience with video.
  • Excellent written and oral skills are strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Ability to independently manage projects.
  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent relationship management skills.
  • Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to successfully manage multiple projects at a time.
  • Ability to manage vendor relationships.
  • Ability to work well with people from different backgrounds.
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically.
  • Knowledge of basic principles of budgeting and financial management.

Recruitment Range: $45,000-$55,000

Work Schedule and Hours: 

Typical office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but extended afternoon, evening and weekend work is required to be successful in this position. Work on evenings and weekends is required for advancing social media during and after events. Office hours and conditions are adjusted to meet the needs of the position.

UNC Asheville Overview: 

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.

UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Staff members are encouraged to take an active role to engage in the institution’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the workplace.

The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed. Women, traditionally under-represented minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.unca.edu.