Inside Higher Ed
Associate Director of Annual Giving
Join us as an Associate Director of Annual Giving to oversee and grow Valparaiso University's annual giving program, the Valpo Fund. You will manage relationships with outside vendors for mailing appeals, lead signature giving initiatives, and develop strategies to increase membership and donor engagement.
Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000
Major Responsibilities
Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of the Valpo Fund, ensuring alignment with University priorities and annual giving goals.
Plan and execute signature fundraising initiatives such as Valpo Day, Giving Tuesday, College and Unit campaigns, and other special giving programs.
Oversee the 1859 Society, providing leadership in donor engagement, recognition, and strategies to increase membership and annual giving levels.
Support additional annual giving campaigns across email, social media, and crowdfunding channels, using data and segmentation to optimize results.
Manage a portfolio of 100 mid‑level donors ($250–$10,000 per year), maintaining consistent contact via phone, email, video, and limited in‑person meetings to cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
Identify opportunities for donor upgrades, strengthen long‑term relationships, and collaborate with gift officers to support the leadership and major giving pipeline.
Partner closely with alumni relations, marketing and communications, and advancement colleagues to ensure coordinated messaging, shared strategy, and integrated fundraising efforts.
Track and analyze campaign performance, donor participation, and giving trends to inform strategy and report progress to leadership.
Supervise and mentor Annual Giving Officer(s), manage vendor relationships, contracts, and campaign fulfillment to ensure efficient, compliant, and effective operations.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Minimum of 3 years of experience in annual giving, fundraising, or related development work, preferably in higher education.
Proven track record in planning and executing multi‑channel fundraising campaigns with measurable results.
Strong portfolio management skills and experience with moves management for mid‑level donors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage a wide range of constituencies.
Proficiency with fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Collaborative, strategic thinker with a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check, which may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, personal/professional references, and credit history if applicable.
Application Requirements
Cover letter
Resume
List of 3 professional references
Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Christine Radtke
Assistant Vice President of Development
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Position Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Position Type: Full‑Time / Regular
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000
Major Responsibilities
Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of the Valpo Fund, ensuring alignment with University priorities and annual giving goals.
Plan and execute signature fundraising initiatives such as Valpo Day, Giving Tuesday, College and Unit campaigns, and other special giving programs.
Oversee the 1859 Society, providing leadership in donor engagement, recognition, and strategies to increase membership and annual giving levels.
Support additional annual giving campaigns across email, social media, and crowdfunding channels, using data and segmentation to optimize results.
Manage a portfolio of 100 mid‑level donors ($250–$10,000 per year), maintaining consistent contact via phone, email, video, and limited in‑person meetings to cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
Identify opportunities for donor upgrades, strengthen long‑term relationships, and collaborate with gift officers to support the leadership and major giving pipeline.
Partner closely with alumni relations, marketing and communications, and advancement colleagues to ensure coordinated messaging, shared strategy, and integrated fundraising efforts.
Track and analyze campaign performance, donor participation, and giving trends to inform strategy and report progress to leadership.
Supervise and mentor Annual Giving Officer(s), manage vendor relationships, contracts, and campaign fulfillment to ensure efficient, compliant, and effective operations.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Minimum of 3 years of experience in annual giving, fundraising, or related development work, preferably in higher education.
Proven track record in planning and executing multi‑channel fundraising campaigns with measurable results.
Strong portfolio management skills and experience with moves management for mid‑level donors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage a wide range of constituencies.
Proficiency with fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Collaborative, strategic thinker with a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check, which may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, personal/professional references, and credit history if applicable.
Application Requirements
Cover letter
Resume
List of 3 professional references
Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Christine Radtke
Assistant Vice President of Development
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Position Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Position Type: Full‑Time / Regular
#J-18808-Ljbffr