Annual Giving Coordinator

East Central University Foundation - Ada, Oklahoma

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Grade: 7

Position Summary

The Annual Giving Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the ECU Foundation’s annual giving program. The Annual Giving Coordinator oversees the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors who give—or choose to give—on an annual basis. This role manages day-to-day operations related to donor portfolios, appeals, stewardship activities, and reporting. The coordinator collaborates closely with the ECU Foundation team and campus partners to increase donor participation, retention, and consistent philanthropic support for ECU. 

Essential Job Duties

Annual Giving Program Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact and lead for the ECU Foundation’s annual giving efforts.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual giving schedule to ensure consistent and timely outreach to alumni, 

parents, and friends.

• Recommend and implement strategies to increase donor participation, including new donor acquisition, donor 

retention, and recurring giving programs.

• Work directly with the Chief Advancement Officer to manage donor portfolios based on areas of interest, geographic location, and giving experience

• Coordinate annual giving priorities with the Chief Advancement Officer to ensure alignment with the ECU Foundation’s overall goals.

Appeals and Solicitations

• Plan and execute annual giving appeals across multiple channels, including face-to-face, direct mail, email, phone, and digital platforms.

• Coordinate audience selection and list segmentation in partnership with the ECU Foundation team to ensure targeted and effective messaging.

• Monitor and track response rates to evaluate the effectiveness of appeals and solicitation strategies.

Donor Communication and Stewardship

• Draft and coordinate donor-facing communications, including solicitation letters, impact updates, and stewardship 

messaging, maintaining a warm and professional tone.

• Manage the annual giving acknowledgment process to ensure donors receive timely and meaningful recognition for their support.

• Implement year-round stewardship touches to keep annual donors engaged and informed about the impact of their gifts.

• Respond promptly and professionally to donor inquiries related to annual giving.

• Data Management and Reporting

• Effectively utilize the ECU Foundation’s donor tracking database and documentation processes.

• Track annual giving metrics and prepare regular reports on donor participation, retention, and progress toward annual goals.

• Maintain accurate donor records, including constituent updates and appeal response tracking.

• Evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements based on data analysis and donor feedback.

Administrative Coordination

• Maintain organized files, templates, and procedures to ensure continuity and efficiency within the annual giving 

program.

• Collaborate with colleagues in major gifts, alumni relations, and communications to provide a seamless donor 

experience.

• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.

Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, donor relations, nonprofit development, or a 

related field such as marketing or project coordination.

• Experience managing a program area or projects from start to finish.

• Experience using a donor database or CRM (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce, Ellucian).

• Understanding of basic fundraising metrics, including donor retention and acquisition.

• Experience working in higher education.

• Leadership experience in competitive environments.

• Experience in recruiting and/or fundraising.

• Experience working within successful, goal-driven organizations.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines and maintaining strong 

attention to detail

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace, including spreadsheets for tracking and reporting

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated customer service orientation

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive donor information

• Proven time management skills with ability to effectively manage multiple priorities

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in complex situations

• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and make decisions within scope of authority

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Highly organized and detail oriented.

• Donor-centered approach focused on relationship-building.

• Collaborative and able to work effectively with diverse campus partners.

• Sound judgment and professional discretion.

• Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example 

• Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community

• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible

• Ability to communicate in a courteous manner

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 

Constantly required to remain in a seated position for extended periods

Frequently required to communicate effectively with diverse populations

Regularly performs tasks that involve repetitive wrist and finger movement

Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment

Occasionally required to move about the office and similar spaces

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The work is performed in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels from conversations, and standard office equipment.

Professional attire required for off-campus meetings

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for special events or peak activity periods.

Supervisory Responsibility 

None

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer, ECU Foundation

Works closely with: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Development Officer, Campaign Project Manager, Director of Alumni Relations, Secretary, Data Analyst, and other ECU Foundation team members

East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.

Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application.

Equal Opportunity Data Form.pdf