Annual Giving Manager

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Position Title:

Annual Giving Manager

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Annual Giving Manager

Job Duties:

POSITION SUMMARY: Join our dynamic University Advancement team at UW-River Falls where you will make a positive impact each day for a respected public regional university. As a key team member, you’ll develop implement, and monitor the UW-River Falls annual giving campaign and corresponding events, leveraging and updating research-based methodology to increase donor contributions, with an emphasis on donor acquisition, reacquisition and retention. Beyond annual giving responsibilities, you will on occasion be called upon to develop content for major and planned giving gift initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement an annual giving business plan each year including budget requirements.

• Plan and direct a multi-channel annual giving program. Monitor and adjust goals and strategies to ensure annual goal attainment.

• Develop and implement effective marketing communication strategies for integrated direct mail, online and social media campaigns, set goals and develop other solicitation tactics (i.e. matching gifts, e-solicitations).

• Ensure that all components of the annual giving program are integrated and messaged across all channels to optimize response and long-term impact of annual appeals.

• Develop and lead UWRF’s annual giving days initiative, creating a goals-driven strategic plan and accompanying marketing communications strategies to encourage campus, alumni and donor support for the focused fundraising effort.

• Set and achieve established goals for funds raised, donor participation rate and donor retention.

• Work closely and meet regularly with development staff to review annual giving progress, discuss strategies, and share ideas for improvement of results with particular emphasis placed on developing personalized solicitation plans for Chancellor Circle ($1,000+) level donors to ensure their continued and increasing levels of annual support.

• Partner with the stewardship coordinator on strategies to ensure appropriate stewardship and recognition of annual donors.

• Identify opportunities for new programs to increase donor contributions and serve as a subject matter expert on annual giving strategies.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and schedules operational work plans for unit programs and events in support of strategic plan

• Identifies opportunities for new programs and events to increase donor contributions, and serves as a subject matter on annual giving strategies

• Evaluates existing donor strategy and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement

• Assists with implementing the unit personnel resource allocation plan including hiring, training, supervision, and resolution of non-routine personnel issues to ensure that work culture is customer service-oriented, productive, valuing of diversity, and fosters employee engagement and development

• Plans and directs staff implementation of the annual giving campaign and corresponding special events

Department:

University Advancement

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• A minimum two years of full-time post bachelor’s degree employment in an area such as fundraising, marketing, sales, public relations, communications, or customer service.

• Strong marketing and communications skills.

• Highly effective writing ability for multiple audiences and channels, including social media.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and to accomplish projects with minimal supervision.

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proficient in computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Strong interpersonal skills, both in person and via phone, to handle sensitive and confidential information and/or situations with varied internal and external constituencies.

• Possess a positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.

• Some evenings and weekends required for attending donor and/or alumni events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two plus years of experience in managing an annual giving program that employs direct mail, marketing communications, social media, and other multi-channel strategies.

• Higher education work experience.

• Experience using fundraising software and mass communication platforms such as Constant Contact, Blackbaud Raisers Edge, and crowdfunding.

• Knowledge of and experience using AI to optimize work output.

• A strong connection to UW-River Falls.

   

Additional Details:

• Hybrid work schedule available for enhanced work-life balance.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Search Chair

Kimberly Gould-Speckman

[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before July 15, 2026.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

Title IX Notice 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [email protected] or 715-425-3518. 

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.