Wabash College seeks an innovative, strategic, team-oriented leader to be its next Director of Annual Giving. The Director of Annual Giving opportunity offers great potential for professional growth as part of an award-winning College Advancement Office. The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the daily operation of the Wabash College Annual Fund, which raises $3.6 million or more annually in unrestricted gifts, including more than $1 million as part of a best-in-class annual Day of Giving.

This fundraising professional plays a key role in the College’s philanthropic programs by planning and managing all aspects of a comprehensive, constituent-based annual giving program, which includes cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parents, and friends for their annual support of Wabash College.

Specifically, the Director of Annual Giving authors the Annual Fund plan and coordinates implementation of the initiatives that aim to achieve the Annual Fund budget goal for dollars raised in a fiscal year. The Annual Fund plan includes an overall, multi-year comprehensive plan, as well as individual plans for the fiscal year, communications/marketing (print, digital, and volunteer), and Day of Giving, and including mid-year and fiscal-year assessments. Plan ideas and strategies are based on prior Annual Fund success and lessons learned; best annual giving practices at other institutions and organizations; and staff brainstorming and creative sessions.

In addition, the Director of Annual Giving works with the National Chair of the 1832 Society (leadership recognition society) and the National Chair of the Annual Fund, and prepares reports and presentations for the Wabash Board of Trustees, the Board of the National Association of Wabash Men, the Society of Wabash Class Agents, the Wabash Parent Advisory Committee, and a dedicated group of online ambassadors. Furthermore, the Director of Annual Giving develops and maintains strong, long-term Wabash constituent relationships and regularly interacts with alumni and friends to solicit and steward their philanthropic support. The Director of Annual Giving is supported by an Associate Director and an Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

Founded in 1832, Wabash College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts College committed to the education of men located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, approximately 45 minutes west of Indianapolis and 30 minutes south of West Lafayette, Indiana. Its mission is to educate young men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.

Wabash enjoys a loyal and generous constituent base. Wabash has been recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with an Overall Performance Award based on an in-depth analysis of three years of fundraising results. In the 2020-2021 fiscal year, Wabash generated more than $26 million in cash fundraising revenue and realized a 43.3% alumni participation rate, which ranks Wabash seventh nationally for alumni participation among all National Liberal Arts Colleges. The Annual Fund accounts for approximately 7-8% of the College’s annual operating budget. An unrivaled culture of institutional philanthropy and generations of generous benefactors allows Wabash to benefit from a pooled endowment valued at more than $400 million.

Under the leadership of Wabash’s 17th President, Dr. Scott Feller, the Advancement Office has been focused on the Giant Steps Campaign – the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the College’s 189-year history – and has raised more than $215 million in gifts and commitments toward a $225 million goal. Giant Steps is scheduled to conclude in June 2023. With several fundraising initiatives and Wabash’s bicentennial (2032) on the horizon, the College stands poised to continue an exciting time of institutional momentum.

The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of a commitment to constituent-based fundraising, volunteer participation, and strategic management and planning. A bachelor’s degree and five or more years of previous fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, are required. The Director of Annual Giving should be familiar with higher education fundraising standards and best practices, including annual giving, major gifts, planned gifts, and fundraising campaigns. The position requires a high energy individual who can work alone as well as within a larger College Advancement team. Dedication to making the case for supporting the College’s mission and annual strategic fundraising priorities are a must. The position also requires exceptional writing and persuasive communications skills; excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; an ability to delegate projects; and an ability to adapt and innovate.

The Advancement team includes Alumni and Parent Relations, Major Gifts, Planned Gifts, Annual Giving, Stewardship and Events, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Advancement Services. The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Associate Dean for College Advancement.

To apply for this position, please upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references by choosing “Apply Now” or at www.wabash.edu/employment Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Wabash College seeks faculty and staff who are committed to providing quality engagement with students, high levels of academic challenge and support, and meaningful experiences that prepare students for life and leadership among diverse populations around the globe. Wabash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from persons of all backgrounds.