The ideal candidate will be someone who can lead a diverse team of high-achieving fundraising professionals by seeing the potential in others and helping them achieve success by understanding and developing their strengths through an individualized approach to leading each team member. The ideal candidate can also demonstrate skill in (i) working with team members to sort through complexity, (ii) exploring alternative courses of action, as well as (iii) determining and executing the best possible outcomes. Flexibility in learning and understanding new subject matters as well as the ability to sell ideas and gain support for programs within the organization through effective relationship building are also desired strengths.

While fostering a team environment of trust, innovation, and professionalism, the Director of Annual Giving will lead strategic and tactical efforts to make the Annual Fund the preferred destination for unrestricted gifts by the Aggie Network in support of Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students. 

Please note that when applying for an opportunity, the application will need to be completed in its entirety all at once. You will not be able to save your information and return to complete your application.

DUTIES

Develops, executes, assesses, and leads all strategic and tactical Annual Giving activities:

• Fosters an environment of selflessness, trust, respect, innovation, professionalism, and excellence among the Annual Giving team.
• Leads Annual Giving team’s development and execution of fundraising and stewardship strategies and tactics, including the development of an annual fundraising strategic plan.
• Drives innovation of all fundraising strategies, including development of strategies and tactics for increasing recurring donors, matching gifts, Young Alumni giving, and leadership-level giving as well as improving donor retention, the schedule of appeals, and the content of appeals. 
• Collaborates with senior management to determine appropriate Annual Fund goals and measurements of success as well as long-term strategic plans and goals.
• Reports Annual Fund results, as well as short-term and long-term strategies, to senior management, Board of Directors, and peers.
• Researches and assesses new and emerging trends and innovative strategies in Annual Giving to determine effective solicitation tools and strategies.
• Works collaboratively with the Fundraising Analyst and Coordinator of Annual Giving to develop and execute data analyses and research projects to inform and enhance ROI of fundraising initiatives.
• Assesses need for, retains, and manages outside consultants for specific projects and initiatives to improve fundraising results.
• Oversees the management of the Engagement Center operations in collaboration with outside vendors, as needed.
• Proactively assesses and evaluates calling results on an ongoing basis and adjusts calling activities to achieve fundraising goals.
• Leads efforts to benchmark results against peer institutions and identifies opportunities for improvement through analysis of benchmarking.
• Collaborates with Association teams to develop strategic initiatives for the program and marketing departments to support The Association’s fundraising efforts. 
• Improves standard operating procedures, increases efficiency in processes, and creates opportunities to improve efficiency at The Association. 
• Prospects, cultivates, and solicits leadership-level gifts. 

Provides direction and consultation for Annual Giving staff direct reports:

• Appraises, coaches, and motivates direct reports to be an effective and efficient team.
• Encourages collaboration and promotes a team culture among assigned direct reports.
• Develops role clarity and a high-performing team through a strengths-based approach of matching mission-critical tasks with a thorough knowledge of staff skills and talents.
• Analyzes workload to ensure efficient and effective donor service, including walk-ins and phone calls to Annual Giving office.
• Prepares and manages expense budgets for Annual Giving, Stewardship, and Engagement Center. 

Participates and provides input on various Association-wide activities:  

• Actively contributes toward efforts to achieve our culture, engagement, and fundraising goals.
• Provides on-site event support for Board and Leadership Council meetings.
• Participates on internal event teams and task committees.
• Participates in Association events, including but not limited to Aggie Muster, Aggie Ring Day, Reunions, Distinguished Alumni Gala, Pass It Back Day, All-Aggie Grad Party, and All-Aggie Hullabaloo, as needed.

Serves as an ambassador for The Association:

• Meets our Team Expectations.
• Supports The Association’s marketing, communications, and branding initiatives.
• Fosters relationships with students, former students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Texas A&M. 
• Attends external events in support of the Vice President of Development or on behalf of The Association, as directed.

Other duties as assigned:

This description of expected duties is neither all-inclusive nor permanent. Employees may be required to take on additional duties without notice.

TEAM EXPECTATIONS

The Association of Former Students is a team, and each member of the team is important to the overall success of the organization. To achieve our goals and mission, each team member will:

• Display a positive, customer-focused attitude and treat all individuals with courtesy and respect.
• Manage each customer experience with the highest level of service and enthusiasm. Seek opportunities to exceed expectations and develop lasting relationships.
• Make innovative contributions by proactively challenging current practices and suggesting and implementing improvements.
• Contribute to our team environment by being a productive, supportive and reliable teammate. Take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes produced.
• Lead with a positive example and in doing so, inspire others to fulfill the expectations of our team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required:  Ability to work with diverse population. Demonstrated professional and polished written and verbal communication skills. Ability to lead fundraising professionals and successfully communicate with volunteer Board members by modeling appropriate behavior and creating an optimistic, collaborative, high-achieving team culture. Strong critical thinking skills and appreciation for implementation of data-driven analysis in strategic and tactical decision-making. Working knowledge of standard office equipment. Ability to operate a keyboard. Frequent use of a computer. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

 Strong commitment to the mission and vision of The Association of Former Students, with the ability and desire to serve as an advocate for the organization and Texas A&M University. Ability to work some evenings and weekends and travel periodically as needed in promotion of The Association and our Annual Fund. 

EXPERIENCE

Required: 7-10 years professional experience, including 5+ years supervisory experience. Strong leadership, managerial, organizational, and communication experience required. 

Preferred: Five years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, alumni relations, or an analogous profession.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. 

SUPERVISION

Received: Vice President of Development.

Given: Assistant Director of Leadership Annual Giving, Manager of Fundraising, Coordinator of Annual Giving, Fundraising Analyst, and Coordinator of Stewardship.