Director of Annual Giving

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

The Director of Annual Giving serves as a key member of the University Advancement team and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing strategies to grow philanthropic support for Dallas Baptist University through annual giving. The Director will oversee engagement with mid-level donors (typically giving between $1,000 and $5,000 annually), with a primary focus on donor cultivation, retention, and pipeline growth toward major gifts.

Over the next 18 months, the Director will also play a critical role in advancing the Don and Linda Carter School of Business Capital Campaign, working closely with the Vice President for Advancement and other Advancement staff to secure commitments and pledges that support DBU's mission to produce Christ-centered servant leaders.

The Director of Annual Giving will also collaborate with the Director of Alumni and Parents to engage younger alumni and strengthen participation in annual giving. In addition, this role will provide leadership in the onboarding and utilization of Blackbaud CRM systems, ensuring data-driven fundraising and donor management strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A cooperative and professional attitude toward DBU's goals and environment.
• Proficiency in donor management software, preferably Blackbaud CRM, and strong data analysis skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse group of donors and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A commitment to meeting fundraising goals and advancing the mission of DBU through excellence in donor stewardship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual giving strategy focused on donor acquisition, retention, and upgrading mid-level donors.
• Manage a portfolio of annual giving donors and prospects, focusing on those giving between $1,000 and $5,000 annually, with the goal of increasing long-term engagement and lifetime giving.
• Partner with the Vice President for Advancement on the Carter School of Business Capital Campaign, assisting in prospect outreach, follow-up, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni and Parents to create engagement opportunities and giving initiatives that connect younger alumni to DBU.
• Lead the implementation and optimization of Blackbaud systems for donor tracking, segmentation, and campaign management.
• Support annual appeals, giving days, and digital fundraising efforts.
• Prepare regular progress reports and updates for the Vice President for Advancement.
• Contribute to a team culture of prayer, excellence, and stewardship, aligning all efforts with DBU's mission to produce Christ-centered servant leaders.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect an optimistic attitude, and convey sensitivity to the needs of the donors.
• In partnership with Advancement leadership, work toward achieving fundraising results that will generate funds equivalent to the position's salary within 24 months.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time, exempt position (12 months). Some evening and weekend work is required for donor events, alumni engagement, or campaign activities. Occasional travel within the region will be required.

WORK LOCATION:

This position will work on the main campus, located at 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211

Requirements:

• Must be a Christian who is a member of a church that holds Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior, and who holds solely the Old Testament and the New Testament as sacred Scriptures.
• DBU requires employees to follow all University policies and procedures, which exist to support the Christian mission of DBU and includes, but is not limited to, a Christian Code of Conduct. Click here to read
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, or nonprofit development, preferably in higher education.