"Director of Annual Giving"

Director of Annual Giving

Posted: 12-Feb-26

Location: Hamilton, New York

Categories: Alumni Affairs, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 6496

Accountabilities:

The Director of Annual Giving is a key leader in Colgate University's Advancement Division and is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of the University's annual giving program. Reporting to the AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, the Director develops and oversees a multi-channel solicitation strategy for the fiscal year to maximize gifts of current-use dollars and achieve alumni participation goals. The Director will also serve as the campus lead for annual giving campaigns and supervise a team of Annual Giving staff members.

The Director partners with colleagues across Advancement—including frontline fundraisers, athletic development staff, alumni relations, and communications—and with campus collaborators to promote a culture of philanthropy and engagement.

• In partnership with the Annual Giving and Communications teams, develop and execute an annual giving solicitation and stewardship strategy for all communication channels.
• Collaborate with Donor Relations in the management of constituency groups strategy.
• Lead the planning and implementation of university-wide annual giving campaigns.
• Serve as a partner with frontline fundraising colleagues on support of the Colgate Fund and other designated annual giving funds, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and donor interests.
• Develop and oversee strategies for engaging and managing volunteers to support annual giving goals.
• Serve as the strategic manager of the Presidents' Circle, a leadership giving society, working to deepen donor commitment and retention at the leadership annual giving level.
• Directly supervise and coach a team of full-time Annual Giving staff members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in annual giving, fundraising, or advancement in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and volunteers.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing multi-channel solicitation strategies.
• Prior supervisory experience, including managing staff performance and development.

Education:

A Bachelor's degree is required.

Other Information:

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

EEO Statement:

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

About Colgate University

Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts institution distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry. Located on a beautiful campus in upstate New York, Colgate takes pride in the active engagement of its students and faculty in local, national, and global communities.