Assistant Director of Annual Giving

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is part of a thirteen-member team responsible for raising in excess of $10 million annually in direct support of Washington and Lee University’s operating budget. The primary responsibility of this position is maximizing annual fund gifts to Washington and Lee through management of the alumni Class Agent program.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

• Provide operational oversight for the Class Agent (CA) program. Partners with the Sr. Associate Director of Annual Giving to execute the strategic objectives of the program in service of Annual Fund goals.
• Identify, recruit, onboard, retain, motivate, and manage the work of the volunteer class agent team in each assigned class. Inspire continued engagement through cultivation and stewardship visits (in-person or virtual) to agents and other class leaders as needed. Assigned classes will range from Young Alumni to Five Star Generals.
• Collaborate with volunteers from assigned classes to set and achieve class-based dollar, donor, and participation goals. Conduct data analysis for class giving patterns, campaign and appeals effectiveness, and areas of interests for support by each class.
• Partner with the Associate Director of AG Communications and CA team to organize, execute, and evolve class-based solicitation and stewardship content and schedules with an aim of continuous learning and improvement. Utilize a variety of communications for solicitation and stewardship (may include print, email, text, video, phone, and in-person messages). Draft, proof, and generate mail pieces such as monthly memos, birthday cards, holiday cards, and surveys.
• Maintain CA Volunteer Management Portal (electronic) and related resources. Plan and deliver CA webinar and virtual training. Work with the Senior Associate Director to prepare periodic rally calls.
• Oversee and maintain CA reporting and data including monthly memorandum and historical trophy winners. Continually reviews and improves CA reports and other volunteer materials including the volunteer manual.
• Identify and evaluate potential areas to expand knowledge and awareness of the 1749 Circle, our loyal donor society
• Manage the Phonathon Program student callers and all associated duties including: work with Annual Giving colleagues and campus partners to identify segments and pools for calls and texts; analyze phoning reports and progress and report on phoning data; recruit, train, and supervise student supervisors and callers. Some active supervision of evening and weekend call shifts is required; provide timely follow-up regarding data, pledge confirmation, and reminders; stay abreast of Annual Giving best practices and trends related to student call programs and propose ideas effectiveness and appeal to changing alumni audiences.
• Participate in development meetings, trainings, conferences, and other training & education events to stay abreast of important issues and successful annual fund trends. Networks with colleagues from peer institutions to learn from and stay competitive with their programs and to acquire pertinent best practices strategies.
• Serve as an Annual Fund and University liaison to all constituencies. Represent W&L Advancement interests to other campus departments and to the Washington & Lee community
• Adapt to changing strategies and practices in Annual Giving to contribute as a dynamic team member; identify needs of constituent groups and Annual Giving efforts as a whole and work with larger team to brainstorm and propose solutions
• Manage a portfolio of leadership Annual Fund prospects. Travel for purposes of solicitation and stewardship of Annual Fund donors.

• This position depends on creative communication to a varied constituency, and the ideal candidate must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A Bachelor’s degree and familiarity with computers
• Ability to navigate complex, sophisticated conversations that range from small talk to explaining philanthropy’s role in university finances, and personal motivations for giving.
• Demonstrated initiative, careful attention to detail, the ability to work within specific deadlines, prioritize, maintain multiple tasks and manage student workers.
• Willingness to fundraise and a desire to learn the unique characteristics and culture of Washington and Lee and appreciate the passion and expectations of its alumni.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines while cultivating relationships with volunteers.
• Evening and weekend work is required during volunteer and alumni weekends and during other specific times during the year.

• Demonstrated interest in working with volunteers and ability to cultivate relationships with volunteer leaders, students, and donors.
• Raiser’s Edge Database/fundraising CRM software is preferred
• Ability to analyze data quantitatively and qualitatively; strong understanding of most aspects of fundraising principles, practices, techniques, and philosophy in higher education preferred
• Two to three years of fundraising or related experience is desired.

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible $54,329.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience