What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Annual Giving position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Category
Professional/Administrative
Position Title
Director of Annual Giving
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Division
Office of Advancement
Department
Annual Giving
Work Arrangement Type
Hybrid/Partial Remote – a combination of on-site and remote work. Specific schedules (e.g., 3 days on-site, 2 days remote) are determined by the department based on operational needs.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$95,000-$110,000
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Certifications
Driver License required.
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Other Information
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. Colgate University enjoys a strong tradition of philanthropy and engagement and is currently engaged in a historic comprehensive campaign with a goal of $1B. To date, the Campaign for the Third Century has raised $630M toward this goal.
Accountabilities
The Director of Annual Giving is a key leader in Colgate University’s Advancement Division and is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of the University’s annual giving program. Reporting to the AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, the Director develops and oversees a multi-channel solicitation strategy for the fiscal year to maximize gifts of current-use dollars and achieve alumni participation goals. The Director will also serve as the campus lead for annual giving campaigns and supervise a team of Annual Giving staff members.
The Director partners with colleagues across Advancement—including frontline fundraisers, athletic development staff, alumni relations, and communications—and with campus collaborators to promote a culture of philanthropy and engagement.
In partnership with the Annual Giving and Communications teams, develop and execute an annual giving solicitation and stewardship strategy for all communication channels.
Collaborate with Donor Relations in the management of constituency groups strategy.
Lead the planning and implementation of university-wide annual giving campaigns.
Serve as a partner with frontline fundraising colleagues on support of the Colgate Fund and other designated annual giving funds, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and donor interests.
Develop and oversee strategies for engaging and managing volunteers to support annual giving goals.
Serve as the strategic manager of the Presidents’ Circle, a leadership giving society, working to deepen donor commitment and retention at the leadership annual giving level.
Directly supervise and coach a team of full-time Annual Giving staff members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Requisition Number
2025S063Posting
Temporary
No
Work Schedule
Weekdays with occasional weekends
Job Open Date
02/10/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.
Professional/Administrative
Position Title
Director of Annual Giving
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Division
Office of Advancement
Department
Annual Giving
Work Arrangement Type
Hybrid/Partial Remote – a combination of on-site and remote work. Specific schedules (e.g., 3 days on-site, 2 days remote) are determined by the department based on operational needs.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$95,000-$110,000
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in annual giving, fundraising, or advancement in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and volunteers.
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Demonstrated experience in planning and executing multi-channel solicitation strategies.
- Prior supervisory experience, including managing staff performance and development.
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Certifications
Driver License required.
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Other Information
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. Colgate University enjoys a strong tradition of philanthropy and engagement and is currently engaged in a historic comprehensive campaign with a goal of $1B. To date, the Campaign for the Third Century has raised $630M toward this goal.
Accountabilities
The Director of Annual Giving is a key leader in Colgate University’s Advancement Division and is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of the University’s annual giving program. Reporting to the AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, the Director develops and oversees a multi-channel solicitation strategy for the fiscal year to maximize gifts of current-use dollars and achieve alumni participation goals. The Director will also serve as the campus lead for annual giving campaigns and supervise a team of Annual Giving staff members.
The Director partners with colleagues across Advancement—including frontline fundraisers, athletic development staff, alumni relations, and communications—and with campus collaborators to promote a culture of philanthropy and engagement.
In partnership with the Annual Giving and Communications teams, develop and execute an annual giving solicitation and stewardship strategy for all communication channels.
Collaborate with Donor Relations in the management of constituency groups strategy.
Lead the planning and implementation of university-wide annual giving campaigns.
Serve as a partner with frontline fundraising colleagues on support of the Colgate Fund and other designated annual giving funds, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and donor interests.
Develop and oversee strategies for engaging and managing volunteers to support annual giving goals.
Serve as the strategic manager of the Presidents’ Circle, a leadership giving society, working to deepen donor commitment and retention at the leadership annual giving level.
Directly supervise and coach a team of full-time Annual Giving staff members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Requisition Number
2025S063Posting
Temporary
No
Work Schedule
Weekdays with occasional weekends
Job Open Date
02/10/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.
Salary : $95,000 - $110,000