Director of Donor Relations & Annual Giving

Summary:

The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for building a year-round annual fundraising plan for Avila University’s alumni base of approximately 14,000 individuals, that effectively communicates Avila’s message and mission to help drive advancement goals. They will be responsible for developing and facilitating all annual fund communication including direct mail, print pieces, emails, social media, videos, and web content.

The Director of Donor Relations also plays a critical role in retaining and increasing revenue from existing mid-level donors, managing a portfolio of ~ 125 donors giving between $250-$2,500 with a goal of increasing their giving and engagement.

Responsibilities:

Principle Responsibilities of Annual Fund:

• Develop and carry out Avila’s fundraising strategy for annual giving to increase retention and acquire new donors.
• Develop strategy and campaigns for the annual fund, recurring gift program, phonathon, Day of Giving and annual giving direct mail campaigns.
• Write and edit appropriate and persuasive fundraising materials including appeal letters, emails, reports, newsletter features, and acknowledgment letters.
• Manage the annual fund, phonathon and direct mail budgets.
• Utilize a data-driven strategy to analyze and oversee results and maximize fundraising performance.
• Identify supporters with higher giving potential and collaborate with the team to move them up the donor pipeline.

• Principle Responsibilities of Mid-Level Giving:
• In collaboration with Advancement leadership, the Director of Donor Relations identifies, puts into place and evaluates an annual plan for a multi-segment mid-level donor program designed to meet the fundraising needs of Avila University.
• Personally manage a portfolio of ~125 donors giving $250 - $2,500 to maximize annual revenue.
• Participate in and play a coordinating role in meetings focused on plans for cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of mid-level and major donors.
• Builds relationships with mid-level donors via phone calls, in-person visits, personalized email communications, ongoing written contact, and events.
• Develop outreach plans that demonstrate appreciation, recognition, and engagement of mid-level donors and prospects.
• Develop and run outreach programs (i.e., monthly giving and affinity groups) to engage mid-level donors.
• Promote and engage donors in Avila’s planned giving program.
• Analyze mid-level donor trends throughout the year to assess results and interprets data to recommend and implement appropriate changes to targets or adjustments in strategies.
• Work with leadership to forecast mid-level program revenue and expenses.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing other assignments and special tasks as requested.
• Champion diversity, build an inclusive culture and learning experience, and maintain an equitable learning environment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master's preferred.
• 2 years experience in securing annual, major and/or planned gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to manage complex tasks and meet deadlines, and have the ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined to achieve goals with exceptional customer service.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, some travel also required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with Raiser's Edge preferred.
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance. 

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.