Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving and Digital Engagement provides strategic leadership for Methodist University’s comprehensive annual giving program while integrating digital engagement strategies to expand donor participation, retention, and philanthropic growth.

This position oversees the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all annual fund initiatives, including direct mail, faculty and staff giving, senior class gifts, year-end appeals, and leadership annual giving efforts, while incorporating data-driven digital marketing strategies, segmentation, automation, and analytics to enhance donor experience and performance outcomes.

The Director plays a central role in building a culture of philanthropy that advances student success and strengthens the University’s long-term donor pipeline.

• Works closely with departmental staff for all activities involving the Founders Council, including its annual golf and tennis events. Duties include volunteer and event coordination, publicity, and mailings.  

• In coordination with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement is responsible for all other Annual Fund appeals, including direct mail and annual appeals, and other campaigns. The director is responsible for identifying and engaging volunteer and donor prospects, writing appeal letters, and analyzing campaign results to increase annual funding for the University. 

• Visits, calls, and cultivates existing and prospective donor portfolio as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement 

• Assists with all other Advancement duties as assigned.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Annual Giving Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Manage all annual fund solicitations, including direct mail, digital campaigns, senior class gifts, faculty/staff giving, and annual appeals.
• Identify opportunities to expand and innovate the annual giving program through digital tools, and emerging best practices.
• Analyze campaign performance and give trends to inform strategy and improve participation and revenue outcomes.

Digital Engagement & Marketing Integration

• Lead digital fundraising efforts including email campaigns, online giving initiatives, social media fundraising, and targeted digital appeals.
• Utilize audience segmentation, automation, and analytics to personalize donor communications and optimize donor journeys.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing & Communications to ensure cohesive messaging, brand alignment, and integrated campaign execution.
• Monitor digital engagement metrics and conversion rates to increase online giving and donor retention.

Donor Cultivation & Portfolio Management

• Maintain a portfolio of primary annual giving and leadership-level prospects.
• Develop identification, cultivation and solicitation strategies that move donors toward increased engagement and giving levels.
• Make solicitations and steward donors in a timely and strategic manner.
• Maintain accurate and timely reporting in the Raiser’s Edge system.

Founders Council & Volunteer Leadership

• Serve as University liaison and advisor to the Founders Council.
• Oversee recruitment, solicitation, orientation, and engagement of Council members.
• Coordinate Founders Council board meetings and strategic initiatives.
• Lead collaboration with staff and volunteers for the annual golf and tennis events.
• Identify and recruit prospective volunteer leaders to support annual giving growth.

Events & Engagement Programming

• Assist in coordinating alumni and annual fund-related events, including Homecoming, regional gatherings, reunions, scholarship luncheons, and recognition dinners.
• Support volunteer coordination and donor engagement activities both on and off campus.
• Host on-campus donor visits and assist with stewardship experiences that deepen long-term philanthropic relationships.

Community Representation

• Represent the University at community and civic events, including Chamber of Commerce activities, symposiums, receptions, and other outreach opportunities.

Advancement Office Collaboration

• Assist with Advancement initiatives, including the Annual Report, Endowed Scholarship Luncheon, Homecoming, President’s Society Reception and other donor recognition events.
• Participate in departmental planning, goal setting, and budget preparation.

• Contribute to short- and long-term advancement strategy development, including campaign readiness and pipeline growth.
  • Project management and organizational leadership.

The candidate must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree (required). Masters degree preferred.
• Have three to five years of experience in annual fund, alumni relations, digital fundraising, or similar constituent outreach programs.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Show evidence of leadership, planning, and organizational ability.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Be familiar with constituent management databases; Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Have knowledge of working with volunteers and volunteer boards.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of digital engagement tools, segmentation, and analytics.
• Exhibit imagination, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Be highly self-motivated and able to follow Advancement Office policies and procedures.