The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating strategies designed to increase annual giving participation and philanthropic support for Iona University. Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, the Assistant Director will play a key role in advancing the University's annual giving priorities through integrated fundraising campaigns, direct marketing, digital fundraising, data analysis, donor segmentation and performance measurement. The Assistant Director will plan and manage all marketing aspects of the Annual Fund program to ensure appropriate solicitation strategies are implemented and that fundraising goals are achieved.
This position requires a highly organized, analytical and collaborative professional who can manage multiple priorities, identify opportunities for greater efficiency, and work effectively with colleagues across Advancement and the University.
Commitment to Mission:
Iona University is a Catholic institution founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. Candidates must appreciate the history and values of the institution and demonstrate a commitment to its mission of developing graduates "recognized for their ethics, creativity and problem-solving abilities; their independent and adaptable thinking; their joy in lifelong learning; and their enduring integration of mind, body, and spirit".
Responsibilities:
Annual Giving
- Develop and implement strategies to increase the number of donors and level of financial support for Iona University's Annual Fund and other annual giving priorities.
- Manage key components of the University's integrated annual giving program, including direct mail, email and digital fundraising, online giving initiatives, targeted appeals and other solicitation efforts.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive annual giving calendar aligned with University and departmental fundraising priorities.
- Plan and execute annual giving campaigns and appeals, including acquisition, renewal, reactivation, upgrade and targeted donor strategies.
- Develop creative fundraising materials, including appeal concepts, solicitation language, campaign messaging and other donor-facing materials in collaboration with appropriate colleagues.
- Coordinate the logistical execution of annual giving solicitations and campaigns, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, appropriate segmentation and cost effectiveness.
- Develop and implement testing strategies to improve donor acquisition, retention, participation and revenue.
- Collaborate with Advancement Services to manage data selection, segmentation, tracking, coding and reporting for annual giving programs.
- Utilize the University's fundraising database and related systems to develop effective donor segments, analyze giving behavior and measure campaign performance.
- Analyze annual giving trends and results and prepare reports and recommendations for departmental and Advancement leadership.
- Support efforts to increase alumni participation and strengthen the University's culture of philanthropy.
- Other duties as assigned.
Collaboration & Departmental Support
- Develop strong working relationships with colleagues throughout Advancement and across the University to advance shared fundraising and engagement objectives.
- Collaborate with Advancement Communications and other partners to ensure that annual giving campaigns are appropriately integrated with broader University communications and fundraising priorities.
- Work closely with Advancement Services and other operational partners to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of fundraising data, processes and reporting.
- Contribute to department meetings, planning sessions and strategic discussions by providing relevant data, project updates and recommendations.
- Provide support for other Advancement priorities and initiatives as assigned.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on the needs of the University's events and fundraising calendar.