The Director of Annual Giving will lead and serve Valparaiso University by developing and executing a plan for raising annual philanthropic support to advance the university’s mission. The Director will be an enthusiastic champion for annual fund gifts, and use past experiences in meeting and exceeding quantitative goals and objectives.

Major Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive solicitation strategy using advanced technologies, targeted segmentation, and data analysis to generate revenue for the Valpo Fund and increase donor count across all annual funds
• Support the assistant director of annual giving programs by developing a communications strategy utilizing direct mail (mail and email) and digital and printed materials to support annual giving
• Collaborate with deans and other partners across campus to identify and execute strategy around crowdfunding and deans’ fund support
• Oversee and enhance the university’s “Day of Giving” program
• Coordinate efforts closely with Advancement colleagues including the Valparaiso University Career & Alumni Network (VUCAN), major and planned giving, and donor relations in addition to marketing
• Develop a transformative vision for annual giving across the university to meet goals for increased retention and acquisition of donors, and a strengthened pipeline of donors
• Grow and enhance the President’s Circle giving society ($1,000 or more to the Valpo Fund) and continually steward these leadership-level annual donors
• Manage a high-performing staff of charitable giving officers and assistant director of annual giving programs
• Travel to conduct in-person solicitations from leadership donors in assigned portfolio
• Report to the assistant vice president of development

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years with a proven track record of success in meeting or exceeding annual giving goals within a university setting

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with
individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough
background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all the application questions

Please address cover letter to:
Christy M. Graf, Interim Assistant Vice President of Development
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383