Associate Director Annual Giving

Position Description:

The Associate Director of Annual Giving is responsible for overseeing and growing Valparaiso University's annual giving program, the Valpo Fund. This role manages relationships with outside vendors for mailings, which include, but are not limited to, the year-end, fiscal-year-end, and Valpo Day appeals. The Associate Director also leads signature giving initiatives such as Valpo Day and Giving Tuesday, oversees the 1985 Society, and implements strategies to grow membership and donor engagement.

Major Responsibilities:

• Valpo Fund Leadership: Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of the Valpo Fund, ensuring alignment with University priorities and annual giving goals.
• Signature Giving Initiatives: Plan and execute signature fundraising initiatives, such as Valpo Day, Giving Tuesday, College and Unit campaigns, and other special giving programs, ensuring timely execution and measurable outcomes.
• 1859 Society: Oversee the 1859 Society, providing leadership in donor engagement, recognition, and strategies to increase membership and annual giving levels.
• Multi-channel Campaign Management: Support additional annual giving campaigns across email, social media, and crowdfunding channels, using data and segmentation to optimize results.
• Portfolio Management: manage a portfolio of 100 mid-level donors ($250 - $10,000 per year) maintain consistent contact via phone, email, video, and limited in person meetings to cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
• Donor Engagement & Growth: Identify opportunities for donor upgrades, strengthen long-term relationships, and collaborate with gift officers to support the leadership and major giving pipeline.
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Partner closely with alumni relations, marketing and communications, and advancement colleagues to ensure coordinated messaging, shared strategy, and integrated fundraising efforts.
• Data & Reporting: working with the reporting team, track and analyze campaign performance, donor participation, and giving trends to inform strategy and report progress to leadership.
• Team Leadership & Vendor Management: Supervise and mentor Annual Giving Officer(s), manage vendor relationships, contracts, and campaign fulfillment to ensure efficient, compliant, and effective annual giving operations.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in annual giving, fundraising, or related development work, preferably in higher education.
• Proven track record in planning and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns with measurable results.
• Strong portfolio management skills and experience with moves management for mid-level donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage a wide range of constituencies.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative, strategic thinker with a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University.

Salary Range:

• $50,000 - $75,000

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the 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, they 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 application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Christine Radtke, Assistant Vice President of Development
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana

Salary : $250 - $10,000