Executive Director of Engagement and Annual Giving

Company Description:

In surveying the grounds of what is now Wittenberg University, the Rev. Ezra Keller, the college's first president and founder, remarked: "This is a lovely spot for a literary institution." Today, that lovely spot encompasses more than 100 acres of rolling hills and hollows in southwestern Ohio, with architecturally distinctive structures that embrace Wittenberg's past and provide a beautiful backdrop to the teaching excellence and Lutheran-affiliated learning environment that has defined Wittenberg University since its founding in 1845. Nationally recognized for accessible professors, engaging classroom experiences, service opportunities, and valued athletics traditions, Wittenberg is home to 1,200 students, 30 majors, 3 graduate programs, a wealth of pre-professional and cooperative programs, and 25 varsity sports.

Wittenberg University is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package that attracts and retains talent to further the university's mission and contributes to the personal and financial well-being of employees and their families. From healthcare to our tuition benefit to vacation and holidays, our goal is to help our employees enjoy happy and healthy lifestyles, while maintaining a good work-life balance. Click here to learn more about Wittenberg's employee benefits.

Job Description:

The Executive Director of Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and oversight for the programs, personnel, and initiatives that strengthen relationships between alumni, friends, and the university. Reporting to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, this position is responsible for advancing both alumni engagement and annual giving outcomes by leading a cohesive team focused on increasing participation, philanthropic support, and lifelong connection to Wittenberg. The Executive Director develops and executes integrated strategies that align engagement and philanthropy, manage constituent communications, and foster a culture of involvement and generosity across the university community. This is a full-time, exempt-level position.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

1. Provides vision, leadership, and management for the university's comprehensive engagement and annual giving programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) priorities.
2. Oversees, in close collaboration with the Sr Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Communications, the planning, development, and execution of multi-channel annual giving and communication strategies, including direct mail, digital outreach, crowdfunding, and reunion-based fundraising.
3. Oversees, in close collaboration with the Director of Alumni Programs, the design and implementation of a comprehensive alumni engagement program and plan emphasizing participation, volunteer leadership, and connection through regional chapters, affinity groups, regional events, and campus events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend and reunions.
4. Oversees the design and implementation of special giving initiatives and campaigns to include A Week for Witt and Commit to Witt.
5. Supervises and mentors the annual giving and alumni engagement staff members, including appropriate student employees and volunteers.
6. Establishes measurable goals for alumni participation, donor retention, and philanthropic revenue; monitors progress through data analysis and regular reporting to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
7. Serves as a key partner with PAE leadership, University Communications, campus partners, and third-party vendors to ensure consistent, brand-aligned messaging that integrates engagement and fundraising priorities.
8. Develops and stewards relationships with alumni and friends, maintaining a select portfolio of leadership annual donors and prospective major gift donors.
9. Collaborates with advancement services to ensure accurate data management, analysis, and segmentation within the CRM system (Salesforce).
10. Manages budgets, staffing, and external vendor relationships related to engagement and annual giving programs to ensure effective resource allocation and ROI.
11. Serves as an institutional ambassador at alumni events, regional programs, and university gatherings to strengthen relationships and promote Wittenberg's mission.
12. Demonstrates a commitment to fostering welcoming engagement opportunities for alumni and friends of all backgrounds.
13. Oversees management of key volunteers and volunteer bodies e.g., Alumni Association Board, etc.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned to advance the mission of the PAE division and the university.
15. Demonstrates support for community and belonging, as well as participates in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, alumni relations, or annual giving, including supervisory experience. A master's degree is preferred.
• Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint) and other software, databases and equipment as assigned.
• Experience working with CRM such as Salesforce required.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated engagement and fundraising teams, developing volunteer leadership structures, and achieving participation and revenue goals.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• The work of this position is primarily performed on campus and will be eligible for consideration of a flexible work schedule based on the university's policies which are subject to change.
• Work environment is office-based with frequent travel. This position requires travel and attendance at evening and weekend events to engage alumni, volunteers, and donors.
• Ability to remain stationary for more than 50% of the workday.
• Ability to transport/lift up to 25 pounds for event materials.
• A valid driver's license is required; must meet required insurance qualifications found in Wittenberg Motor Pool policies and procedures. If license is from out of state, successful candidate will need to obtain a valid Ohio driver's license within 30 days of hire date.

Additional Information:

Wittenberg is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of our student body and society at-large. Please see our notice of nondiscrimination housed on our website.

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

Wittenberg University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in our campus community. Click here to view our Title IX policies.

Employment at Wittenberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Wittenberg University participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

To apply, please set-up an account in our online recruiting system and upload the following documents in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat format.

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Name, relationship, and contact information for three professional references.

Applicants who require accommodation during any stage of the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (937) 327-7517 or email [email protected] .