Reporting to the Assistant Vice Dean of Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing annual fund-raising initiatives for identified programs/centers within the School of Arts and Sciences.

Duties:

• Create and implement a strategic plan for annual fund-raising in support of the School and designated programs/centers. Determine cultivation, solicitation, planned giving and stewardship strategies based on annual fund best practices paired with data analysis and a knowledge of emerging technologies. Undertake new initiatives to acquire, retain and upgrade annual donors.
• Set and achieve annual fund-raising objectives by managing all daily operations for the annual giving programs.
• Solicit annual giving prospects though a variety of modalities including digital and direct mail, phonathons, and in-person to optimize donor acquisition, retention and increase dollars for annual fund-raising activities.
• Work with Penn Arts and Sciences Advancement Communications staff to create, design, write, and edit annual fund marketing and stewardship materials.
• In consultation with Director of Donor Relations, determine and execute stewardship plan for annual fund donors.
• Identify potential major gift and planned giving prospects from among annual donors to recommend to Penn Arts and Sciences Advancement major gift officers for follow-up.
• In consultation with Assistant Vice Dean, identify and assess new Penn Arts and Sciences program/centers with potential for program-specific annual support. Provide guidance to these programs as needed.
• Maintain communication with program/center faculty and staff regarding plans and results of fund-raising activities.
• Interact on a regular basis with other annual giving officers in schools and centers across the University to share best practices and coordinate efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelors degree and 3 – 5 years relevant experience required, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a demonstrated track record in annual fund solicitations using a variety of modalities (digital marketing, direct mail, etc.).
• Must possess excellent organizational, communication, customer service, writing, marketing and data analysis skills, and have sound knowledge of fund-raising principles, concepts, and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Strong Excel and data management skills required.
• Salesforce experience a plus. Candidate must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, be self-motivated and attentive to details, and exhibit creative and entrepreneurial energy.
• Ability to work independently but collaboratively as part of a goal-oriented team is essential.
• An understanding and appreciation of a research university environment and academic mission preferred.