Executive Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement

Recruiter: Jeff Ptalis

Fairfield, CT

Job ID

6366JP

Industry

Education

Specialty

School Administration

Experience level

Executive Director

Salary range:

$110,000 - $120,000

JOB BENEFITS

Salary range: $70,000–$100,000 (flexible), depending on experience

On-site housing available, if desired

Free camp tuition for the Director’s children

Health benefits and professional development opportunities

OVERVIEW

A mission-driven private university seeks an experienced and strategic advancement professional to serve as Executive Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for designing, executing, and continuously optimizing a comprehensive annual giving strategy that drives donor participation, engagement, and philanthropic revenue across multiple constituencies.

The Executive Director will play a central role in shaping the future direction of annual philanthropy, bringing a data-informed and innovative approach to campaign planning, channel strategy, and donor experience. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable developing strategy and executing tactics, and who thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented advancement environment.

This is an on-site position with some flexibility as needed.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Senior Vice President for University Advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 4–5 years of progressive experience in annual giving or related fundraising functions, with demonstrated depth of knowledge in annual fund strategy and execution.

Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred but not required.

Strong analytical orientation with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategy.

Experience managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including direct mail and digital platforms.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and propose new ideas grounded in data and donor behavior.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing fundraising messaging and appeals.

Collaborative, team-focused mindset with a willingness to be hands-on and adaptable. C

Experience in higher education advancement is preferred, though candidates from other nonprofit sectors will be considered.

Familiarity with fundraising and engagement platforms such as CRM systems, email marketing tools, crowdfunding platforms, and giving day technologies is helpful (experience with GiveCampus is a plus).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving strategy, including direct mail, digital campaigns, giving days, participation initiatives, and emerging engagement channels (e.g., text-to-give, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer).

Analyze performance data and donor insights to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and identify new growth opportunities.

Design and implement innovative approaches to donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade, with a focus on expanding participation and strengthening donor engagement.

Oversee planning and execution of multiple annual solicitation cycles, including messaging, segmentation, creative direction, and performance evaluation.

Collaborate closely with advancement colleagues across major gifts, alumni engagement, stewardship, and communications to ensure alignment and maximize impact.