Director of Annual Giving

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Drew University seeks a dynamic, creative, and self-motivated Director of Annual Giving to lead the transformation and in-house development of its annual giving program. Having previously partnered with an external firm for annual giving, Drew is bringing this critical function in-house-and we're looking for an experienced professional to build, shape, and execute a revitalized strategy from the ground up.

This role will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive, data-informed annual giving campaigns across direct mail, email, and digital channels. The Director will lead efforts to grow leadership annual giving, launch a robust parent giving program, and help build a strong donor pipeline toward major gifts. This role will work closely with internal partners and external vendors, such as designers and mail houses, to execute compelling, multi-touch campaigns that drive participation and increase giving.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and a hands-on executor who thrives in a creative and entrepreneurial environment. We are seeking someone who will bring the insight, initiative, and innovation needed to overhaul Drew's current program and inspire greater generosity from alumni, parents, and friends. This is a full-time, fully remote position.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and execution of Drew's in-house annual giving direct response program targeting alumni, parents, and friends.
• Develop segmentation strategies that align with Drew's audiences, such as young alumni, loyal donors, reunion classes, and other affinity-based groups, to drive donor acquisition and improve retention.
• Drive growth in leadership annual giving through targeted outreach, engagement, and stewardship efforts.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive parent giving strategy, including goal setting, benefit delivery, and membership expansion.
• Produce content for mail, email, and digital marketing campaigns in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications.
• Leverage data to evaluate campaign performance, inform decisions, and optimize acquisition, renewal, and reactivation strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships to enhance the execution and effectiveness of campaigns.
• Analyze alumni giving trends and behaviors to inform strategy and long-term planning.
• Build a strong pipeline from annual giving to leadership and major gifts.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support Advancement goals.

Job Requirements

• Proven success in building or revitalizing annual giving programs, with a strong record of increasing donor participation.
• Expertise in direct-response and multi-channel fundraising strategies.
• Strong project management and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with data analysis and CRM tools (preferably Raiser's Edge).
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for higher education and a deep understanding of donor engagement and stewardship.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Drews' fundraising program - and help shape the future of philanthropy - all while enjoying the flexibility of a fully remote position.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• Contact information of three (3) professional references

About Drew University

Drew University, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts university, includes the College of Liberal Arts, Drew Theological School, and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Drew is located on a beautiful, wooded campus in Madison, New Jersey, a thriving small town close to New York City.

Drew's one-of-a-kind, leading-edge path to an undergraduate degree, Launch , ensures that every student graduates with a purpose, sought-after transferable skills, a network of mentors, and an experience-based résumé—guaranteed. Drew's unique, immersive learning experiences include professionally mentored scientific research in RISE and DSSI , volunteer and community-based opportunities through the Center for Civic Engagement , making industry connections in seven semesters in New York City , and exploring the world through eye-opening international study abroad trips .

Drew University's two graduate schools, Drew Theological School and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, confer 10 master's and four doctoral degrees. Numerous certificate programs are also available. All programs are based on Drew's renowned commitment to faculty-student mentorship, opportunities for out-of-the-classroom experiential learning, and facilitating a robust intellectual and global community, with many programs offered in hybrid or fully online modalities.

To enrich education through diversity, Drew University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Following federal and state requirements, a candidate must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States if selected for hire. These positions are subject to a background check.