Director Of Leadership Annual Giving

Transylvania University, a private liberal arts college, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Leadership Annual Giving. Located in the heart of downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Transylvania University features a personalized approach to undergraduate education through 46 liberal arts majors. Founded in 1780, it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country with approximately 1,000 students.

The Director of Leadership Annual Giving directs and builds leadership annual fund and restricted operating budgetary support through personal solicitation and direct mail efforts, focusing specifically on gifts at the $50,000 and up level. The role carries a significant major gift portfolio and is responsible for active and appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a major gift travel territory. Specific focus on increasing President's Circle membership.

A Bachelor's Degree is required. Previous fundraising experience is preferred but not required.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary. Must be able to project a strong positive image of the University and be able to motivate people. Attendance at evening/weekend activities required.

Essential Duties:

• Operate as key member of University's major gift officer team. Carry an annual portfolio of annual fund and restricted operating leadership donors and prospects as assessed by university research. Cultivate and steward these individuals at a pre-determined goal rate, securing gifts/pledges at $25,000 and up to build consistent donor pipeline growth.

• Work with Director of Advancement Services and Associate VP to track monthly progress toward goals within each of these arenas, to be shared with Finance Office.

• Direct and produce President's Circle appeals, activities, solicitations and stewardship including special events and targeted personal asks.

• Utilize office software to determine most effective targeting and segmentation for President's Circle solicitations.

• Work with Associate Vice President for Advancement to develop year-long giving strategy to ensure all Advancement staff assist in meeting annual fund and restricted operating goals. This includes production of calendar and fiscal year-end giving actions.

• Work with Director of Annual Giving Operations to ensure full donor/prospect base solicitations are bolstering Annual and Restricted Operating gift totals.

• Input information on donor visits into CRM system within 72 hours of occurring.

Prepare proposals, reports, and other documents to send to prospective and current donors. These include planned giving initiatives in tandem with the staff member overseeing this area.

Research prospects and donors as needed through research software and other means. Must maintain strict confidentiality in handling personal information gleaned from research.

Secondary Duties:

Provide support to the Advancement Office as needed to help fulfill University's mission.

Assist with execution of Alumni Weekend activities.

Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes the value of historically excluded and underrepresented backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that enrich the university's environment for colleagues and students alike. We are committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community and encourage all who are interested to apply.

To begin the application process, submit your cover letter to the attention of Kara Covert, VP, Advancement, stating your qualifications and interest and clicking the "Apply For This Position" button below. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by July 19, 2024.