Annual Gift Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Stamford, CT

Position Overview

The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Director of Development and is responsible for the organization, planning, and management of The St. Luke’s Fund. In addition to managing the Fund, the Director of Annual Giving, as a member of the Development Team, shares in the creation of comprehensive strategies to excel at achieving strength in total voluntary support for St. Luke’s School. 

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for growing the St. Luke’s Fund; including implementing strategy for annual giving appeals, donor communications, and cultivation efforts for community engagement and stewardship.
• Meet and exceed annual fundraising and participation goals.
• Strong organizational skills in developing and managing best practice fundraising strategies. 
• Identify, recruit, train, solicit, and manage a team of dedicated parent volunteers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors and potential donors. 
• Welcome and orient new families about the importance of the St. Luke’s Fund. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Relations on strategy, planning, and execution of Alumni fundraising initiatives including the Alumni Annual Fund, Reunion Giving, and major gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit and secure annual giving leadership level gifts.
• Enthusiastic team player as we plan for the school’s historic Centennial. 
• Coordinate with special events personnel on the planning for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events.
• Partner with the Database Manager to ensure the accuracy of gift data entry and timely acknowledgment letters.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the capacity to develop meaningful relationships with donors, parents, and faculty.
• Goal-oriented with a proven track record of developing and sustaining successful fundraising. 
• Capacity to design and implement new and innovative strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Analytical skills in tracking and evaluating short- and long-term trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

Key Skills & Qualities

• 3 years of professional experience overseeing an Annual Giving program or similar fundraising program.
• A collaborative, “team player” with a “can-do” attitude. 
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience with organizational social media and/or design, a plus.
• Excellent command of office technology tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Raiser’s Edge database.
• Proficiency in Google Tools.
• Experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion, with strong cultural competency skills.

Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, St. Luke’s attracts families from 25 towns throughout Connecticut and New York. A combination of challenging academics and truly exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages our students to go above and beyond their own expectations. The school offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education. St. Luke’s prides itself on being a forward-thinking school where students hone their own distinct leadership skills - developing a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.

St. Luke’s School is an equal opportunity employer. St. Luke’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law with regard to hiring, terms and conditions of employment or educational programs. We strive to provide a welcoming educational environment where the value and dignity of every member is respected.