Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Officer

Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Officer

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Advancement

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

JOB SUMMARY:

The Annual Giving and Donor Engagement Officer leads and manages our Annual Giving program, enhances donor stewardship efforts, and coordinates engagement events. This role is pivotal in building lasting relationships with donors, alumni, parents, friends, and the campus community to support the university’s mission and fundraising goals. They are a strategic thinker with excellent communication and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple initiatives while delivering quality donor experiences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Annual Giving (50%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual giving strategies to increase participation and philanthropic support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and friends.
• Oversee multi-channel fundraising campaigns including direct mail, email, social media, peer-to-peer, and Giving Day initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to produce compelling content and materials.
• Analyze giving trends and campaign performance; use data to inform strategy and segmentation.

Donor Stewardship & Events (50%)

• Design and execute a comprehensive donor stewardship plan to recognize and retain supporters.
• Coordinate production of thank-you letters, impact reports, and other stewardship communications.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services and other departments to ensure accurate donor records and timely acknowledgments.
• Build and maintain relationships with key donors and volunteer leaders.
• Plan and manage donor and alumni engagement events, including Homecoming, recognition receptions, campaign events, and regional gatherings.
• Work closely with university stakeholders to align event goals with strategic advancement objectives.
• Oversee event logistics, communications, invitations, and follow-up efforts to ensure high-quality experiences for attendees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• Successful candidate should have excellent verbal, written, organization and presentation skills.
• Qualified candidates should possess 3–5 years of experience in annual giving/fundraising, donor relations, or advancement events, preferably in higher education or nonprofit settings.
• Proven ability to manage projects and meet fundraising goals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems (i.e. Slate).
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to the values and mission of Spalding University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing Giving Days and digital campaigns.
• Familiarity with donor segmentation, stewardship best practices, and alumni engagement strategies.

WORK SETTING:

While the Annual Giving & Donor Engagement Officer will primarily work Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, some evening and weekend hours will be required.

ABOUT SPALDING UNIVERSITY:

Spalding University offers a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, Spalding matching contribution up to 5% to your 403b/Roth retirement plan, generous Paid Time Off program, Parental Leave, paid holidays, paid life insurance and long-term disability, paid time for volunteering, and more.

Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, Spalding University combines a rich social justice history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting. An engaged faculty serves nearly 2,000 students at the bachelors’, master’s and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.

Faculty, staff and students are united by the institutional mission: Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with an emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

With a focus on service and leadership, Spalding offers all students a mission-driven connection to community and comprehensive learning resources while striking a distinctive balance serving the educational needs of both the traditional student and the working student. In addition, our unique 8-week class delivery format affords students scheduling flexibility amidst other life responsibilities.

Spalding aspires to become the first choice for students of compassion and service. Celebrated for a rigorous yet nurturing environment, emulated for interdisciplinary collaborations, and acclaimed for contributions to the community.

Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the University’s policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.