PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for leading, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all planning and programmatic activity related to annual giving and alumni membership. The Director must create marketing strategies and multi-platform materials; collaborate with campus units considering annual fundraising appeals; schedule and oversee the execution of activities designed to secure annual private gift support; oversee execution of the terms of the contract with call center vendor, if applicable; plan and execute the faculty/staff giving campaign; integrate annual giving activities into the University’s overall development program; and manage a prospect portfolio.  The position reports to the Executive Director for Development.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1 . Designs, implements and manages a comprehensive, proactive annual giving development plan focused on coordinating and directing activities related to obtaining and maintaining annual monetary support for university priorities through the UCA Foundation.  Must be able to devise creative messages for diverse audiences based upon the University’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.

2. In coordination with the UCA Alumni Services Office, develops annual alumni association membership acquisition and retention goals and projections based upon data analysis and forecasts; develops and executes a comprehensive membership solicitation campaign utilizing direct mail and electronic communications to increase revenue and participation; and develops and maintains an annual plan addressing membership acquisition and retention objectives. Shall utilize statistical data to determine cost effectiveness.

3. Plans and executes the direct mail campaigns for annual fund (unrestricted support) and alumni membership.  Writes solicitation letters for diverse constituencies and implements the mailings.  Uses data appropriation and segmentation to determine optimal strategies for success.  Evaluates existing strategies and continually seeks ways to improve process and outcomes. 

4. Plans and executes the annual phone campaign.  The Director shall recommend whether to establish and/or maintain a professional relationship with a call center vendor.  (The final decision rests with the Vice President for Advancement.)  If such a relationship exists, the Director shall be responsible for managing the relationship for maximum benefit to the University.  If the phone campaign is handled internally, then the Director shall be responsible for every facet of planning and executing such a campaign including but not limited to hiring student callers, developing training materials, writing scripts, and acknowledging gifts and pledges.  Evaluates existing strategies and continually seeks ways to improve process and outcomes.

5. Works with university partners to develop Annual Giving’s online presence, including web and social media.  Prepares detailed work plan for online and social media strategy, including integration with overall communications plan.

6. Maintains a high-quality stewardship process for alumni and friends who have made gifts to the Annual Fund.  Demonstrates the value of the UCA-donor relationship at every step in the gifting process, especially after a gift is made.  Understands the difference between ‘thank you’ and ‘stewardship.’

7. Identifies new opportunities for the Annual Fund by being a student of the established and emerging strategies nationally that might work well at UCA.  Knows the ‘UCA story’ (historically and present), stays abreast of trends in annual giving development and higher education, and adjusts approach and strategy accordingly.

8. Cultivates and solicits alumni and friends who can make four to five figure (and larger) philanthropic commitments to support the University’s Annual Fund.  Creates and executes moves management plans for Annual Giving prospects, conducts meticulous follow up, and asks for resources.  Encourages other fundraisers to incorporate the Annual Fund into proposals for major or planned gifts.

9. Takes initiative, perseveres in the midst of challenge; focuses on goals and outcomes but executes the process well and demonstrates integrity at all times.  Committed to personal mode of operation consistent with all UCA and State of Arkansas laws, policies, and procedures.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of fund raising or related experience required. Excellent writing skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure, listen carefully, learn quickly and work effectively in a complex organization. Exceptional interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships. Desire and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple campus units.  Honesty, integrity, and enthusiasm; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow through. Knowledge of and proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Suite) and standard office equipment. Raiser’s Edge experience is a plus.  Evening and weekend work may be necessary. Criminal and other relevant background checks required.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS: Submit applications and nominations to Ms. Jennifer Boyett, Executive Director for Development, University of Central Arkansas, Buffalo Alumni Hall, UCA Box 4986, Conway, AR  72035 or by e-mail to jboyett@uca.edu.  A complete application must include a cover letter, resume or CV, and a list of three professional references.

Expected date of employment: May 1, 2013

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2013 and continue until the position is filled.

UCA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.