Director of Annual Giving

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Inquiries Regarding Application Status
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of submitted applications. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted using the email and/or phone information provided in the online application. For information regarding our general staff recruitment process, please click here to visit our FAQs web page to see answers for frequently asked questions, including what to expect, timelines, requests for special accommodation, and interviews.

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:
Director of Annual Giving

Job Details and Requirement:

Department: Office of Advancement and Communications

Supervisor: Senior Director of Alumni & Family Engagement and Annual Giving

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni & Family Engagement and Annual Giving, the Director will provide leadership and direction for Pitzer's Annual Fund while developing strong and diverse solicitation strategies, with particular attention to reunion and volunteer management including increased alumni and parent giving.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Planning and Implementation:

• Manage all aspects of the Annual Fund, including Phonathon, direct mail, electronic solicitations, Web-based and one-on-one solicitations.
• Develop clear segmentation strategies for targeted Annual Fund solicitation of alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends.
• Develop annual fund goals each year for all constituent groups and set long-term benchmarks for success.
• Create and implement a calendar for annual solicitations.
• In collaboration with Advancement Services, create an array of reports that monitor the effectiveness and progress of the Annual Fund program. Provide regular analysis and status reports to the department.
• Work with the Associate/Assistant Director of Annual Giving to develop and execute an annual giving program with a strong focus on cultivating gifts and engagement at all levels, experiences, and generations.
• Work with the Associate/Assistant Director of Annual Giving in the management of the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) giving program, Phonathon, the Senior Gift program and the Faculty & Staff Campaign.
• Hold a portfolio of key stakeholders and high-mid capacity annual donors.

Volunteer Management:

• Recruit and provide staff support for Pitzer Fund volunteers.
• Recruit and provide training and recognition for a wide range of alumni and parent volunteers.
• Work with the Associate/Assistant Director of Annual Giving on the development and execution of a young alumni donor/volunteer plan.

Special Giving Programs:

• Cultivate, steward and personally solicit alumni and parents for leadership level Annual Fund gifts of $5,000 to $25,000.
• Qualify, cultivate, and make solicitations for major-gift contributions through 50 face-to-face meetings a year.
• Work closely with the other members of the development staff to identify potential major gift prospects.
• Execute a reunion-giving program that incorporates volunteers, direct mail and Phonathon.

Communications:

• Provide copy and work with communications staff to develop Annual Fund related publications, mail pieces and pledge reminders.
• Oversee the creation of Annual Fund Web pages in collaboration with Advancement communications team.
• Develop and implement digital fundraising strategies, including crowdfunding campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and social media-driven giving days.
• Partner with the communications team to integrate annual giving messaging across digital platforms, ensuring a consistent donor experience.
• Utilize email automation and segmentation to enhance donor engagement.
• Develop advertising strategy for the Annual Fund in the Pitzer College Participant.

Events:

• Coordinate appropriate cultivation and annual fund stewardship events.
• Attend alumni and parent functions as needed.

Data and Analytics:

• Leverage data analytics and donor insights to drive segmentation strategies, increase participation rates, and improve donor retention.
• Identify trends and opportunities in giving behavior to refine solicitation strategies.
• Utilize prospect research tools to identify and prioritize potential leadership annual giving donors.
• In partnership with the Advancement Operations team, periodically evaluate the effectiveness and ROI of various technology platforms used by the Annual Giving program and make appropriate recommendations.

Other Duties:

• Oversee the daily operation of Annual Giving activities, including budget development and correspondence, ensuring cost-effective strategies and maximizing return on investment.
• In conjunction with the Director of Advancement Services, design and implement timely and effective acknowledgement processes for annual donors.
• Partner with campus departments (e.g., Career Services, Student Affairs) to integrate giving and philanthropy into student and young alumni experiences.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify annual giving opportunities aligned with academic and institutional priorities.
• Work closely with the Stewardship team to ensure prompt acknowledgement and recognition, at levels proportional to gifts and relationships
• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.

Basic Qualification: Must have a bachelor's degree. Must have at least five - seven years of full-time related experience. Must have at least two years of full-time (or the equivalent) fundraising experience. Must have experience recruiting, working with and managing volunteers.

Preferred Qualification: A master's degree is preferred, Preference will be given to individuals with experience in non-profit and/or educational organizations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Superior interpersonal and networking skills with an ability to work productively and congenially with a diverse community and engage alumni and parents in fundraising efforts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Must be able articulate a commitment and support of the Pitzer's educational values and objectives, and a passion for a liberal arts education.
• Excellent organizational skills with an eye for detail. Ability to keep to a plan to achieve success.
• Experience working with analytic tools to measure and analyze annual giving appeal outcomes as it pertains to segmented constituencies.
• Ability to work effectively and productively while maintaining composure in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PC-based data management.
• Knowledge of Publisher and web page design is preferred.
• Ability to transport self to local, off-site events.
• Proven ability to manage employee performance, including coaching and mentoring as necessary.

Licenses/Certifications: Must have a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the College's insurer.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervise two full-time staff members: an Associate/Assistant Director of Annual Giving and an Annual Giving Coordinator. Oversee the hiring, supervision and payroll processes for various student employees.

Time Type:Full-time 40 hours per week

Annual Pay Schedule: 12

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. (The regular hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These hours may vary due to needs of the College or department.

Work Model: Hybrid

Compensation: Budgeted Salary Range $82,000 - $90,000.00 per year

Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more.

Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to:

• Sit for prolonged periods of time;
• Operate a computer for prolonged periods of time;
• Communicate with others by email, in person and over the telephone;
• Read printed materials and a computer screen;
• Have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment;
• Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials.
  • Requires reaching overhead, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, bending, and twisting;
  • Lift 15 pounds from the ground to waist level unassisted; and
• Have the stamina to manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced work environment.

Instructions: Only qualified applicants please.

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter: Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer's core values best relates to your own.
• Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.
• Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).

Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon a candidate possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Employment is also contingent upon new employees providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States. For positions requiring the use of a college-owned vehicle, employment is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the colleges' automobile liability insurance. Final candidates in all staff positions will be required to undergo a background investigation; in addition some positions may require a physical lift test and pulmonary function test.

Covid-19 Vaccination

Pitzer College has mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. New employees are required to show proof of full vaccination, including booster, against COVID-19 or request a Pitzer College approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of Equal Employment opportunity and Affirmative Action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status, in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other College-administered programs, and employment policies. Pitzer strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Safety Report

In compliance with applicable law, Pitzer College publishes an annual report containing statistical information concerning the occurrence of crime on campus and adjacent thereto, as well as policies and practices concerning security. A copy of this report is online at http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/cs/index.asp or by contacting The Claremont Colleges Department of Campus Safety: 251 E. Eleventh Street, Claremont, CA 91711-3947; (909) 621-8170.