Director of Annual Funds - Clarke University

At Clarke University, we look for individuals who lead from the heart and embrace our values of education, charity, justice, and freedom. By creating a community focused on care, we empower everyone at Clarke to do and be their best. We offer meaningful work, a safe and friendly work environment, and an outstanding benefits package including tuition remission, paid holidays vacation and sick time, and extensive professional development opportunities. So, if you're looking for a place you can make a positive impact, we hope you'll consider our One Clarke, One Community.

The university is seeking a qualified individual to assume the role of Director of Annual Funds. Under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director will be responsible for the development, execution, and management of a comprehensive annual giving program. This role is pivotal in driving engagement and philanthropic support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the university.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with alumni and friends across local, regional, and national levels to enhance engagement and philanthropic participation.
• Collaborate with the VP for Institutional Advancement to create and implement robust annual and multi-year fundraising plans that align with the university's goals.
• Oversee the annual fund's operational budget in partnership with the Vice President, ensuring effective allocation and use of resources.
• Design and execute a comprehensive solicitation and engagement strategy, coordinating with external vendors and the Marketing Office. This includes leading and creating direct mail and email outreach, along with website management, and coordinating online giving campaigns including Giving Tuesday and Clarke Day.
• Proactively manage a portfolio of diverse donor prospects, focusing on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to secure philanthropic support using digital communication tactics.
• Lead and assess programs targeting specific groups such as young alumni, students, parents, employees, new donors, and businesses, ensuring tailored engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to plan and implement the annual Clarke University Golf Classic fundraising event.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications include:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or a related field are required. Exceptional oral and written communication and people skills as well as knowledge of the MS Office suite and related technology are essential, as is the proven ability to work effectively as a team member, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Knowledge of the Virtuous database platform or similar CRM software is preferred. The ability to work occasional evening and weekend events is necessary.

To apply for this position, please upload a resume online at http://clarke.applicantpool.com. Resume review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Clarke University is committed to fostering a welcoming campus community that celebrates the unique contributions of each person and promotes an inclusive learning environment. Clarke University does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.