Manager of Annual Fund is responsible for overseeing the university's annual giving efforts. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive annual giving program that supports Adams State University's fundraising goals. The Manager plays a critical role in cultivating and soliciting annual gifts from alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends, with an emphasis on increasing participation, revenue, and donor retention. This position works closely within the Office of Advancement and University-wide units including academic departments, athletics, marketing and communications to engage internal and external audiences for annual support appeals.

Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Program Oversight

• Plan, develop and implement a strategic plan of action with objectives, timelines and evaluation plans for the annual giving program, including identification, cultivation and solicitation of annual gifts from alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff.
• Establish benchmarks and monitor progress for the annual giving program; produce regular, comparative annual giving status reports and evaluate responses according to different criteria (segmentation, class year, participation rate, etc.).
• Utilize best practices and innovative approaches to inspire ongoing donor engagement and maximize annual revenue.

Fundraising Campaigns and Donor Engagement

• Design and conduct mass solicitation programs via direct mail, email, social media and online giving. Ensure gifts of this nature are renewed; implement monthly giving and mid-level donor programs.
• Conduct the annual student Phonathon, including collecting donations, database updates, solicitation scripts, weekly results reports, and following up on donor questions/issues raised during the calling process.
• Coordinate the execution of annual giving day events (Adams State Giving Week, Giving Tuesday, Colorado Gives Day), providing strategic oversight of goal setting, planning and implementation processes.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Advancement, Foundation Executive Director, and Athletic Director on annual giving initiatives.
• Work with University-wide units including academic departments, athletics, and marketing and communications to coordinate annual giving efforts.
• Collaborate with the Foundation Manager of Operations to maintain a comprehensive donor database to track giving history, preferences, and engagement activities.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize donor data and analytics to assess program performance, identify trends, optimize fundraising efforts and build strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership, board members, and other stakeholders on program performance and outcomes.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience in fundraising, marketing or related field.
• Ability to travel occasionally and attend evening and weekend activities.
• Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegiality with employees, students, and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to be donor-centric and effective in working with diverse groups.
• Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet deadlines.

Preferred:

• Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting; direct experience with fundraising.
• Knowledge of Adams State University and the San Luis Valley is highly desired.
• Experience with annual giving solicitations, including direct mail, telemarketing and digital media.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $51,132-$58,164. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page.

How to Apply:

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal.

No other format of application material will be accepted.

Completed applications include the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment)
• Three professional references, including phone number and email for each

For full consideration, applications should be received by 12/12/2025. Review of completed applications will begin immediately after this date and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

Questions about the position may be directed to Jake Rissler jrissler@adams.edu