Director of Annual Giving

Job Description

Location: Santa Paula, CA
Department: Advancement Office
Reports to: Executive Director of Development
Employment Type: Exempt; Full Time
Salary Range: $75,000 - 110,000

Summary
The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Executive Director of Development and provides strategic leadership for the College's annual giving program, including the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy to increase donor participation and revenue. The Director manages the advancement database and service staff, while fostering a high-performing, mission-driven team.

Leveraging data analytics, digital engagement, direct mail, and emerging best practices, the Director will expand the College's donor base, strengthen donor retention, and identify and cultivate annual donors with the capacity for major gifts. The Director collaborates closely with colleagues in alumni relations, marketing and communications, and major gifts to deliver a cohesive donor experience aligned with the College's unique program of Catholic liberal education and is responsible for achieving annual fundraising goals and key performance metrics.

Responsibilities
• Lead and manage a comprehensive annual giving program focused on unrestricted support for operations and student financial aid across both campuses.
• Develop and execute multi-channel fundraising strategies, including direct mail, digital campaigns, giving days, donor acquisition campaigns, and donor outreach.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate annual appeals and giving-week campaigns for alumni, parents, and friends, including audience segmentation and targeted messaging.
• Grow and strengthen the President's Council ($1,000+ giving society), including cultivation, engagement, and stewardship.
• Identify, qualify, and develop a pipeline of annual donors with the capacity for leadership and major gifts, in partnership with major gift officers.
• Oversee donor stewardship strategies for annual giving, ensuring timely, meaningful engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with alumni relations, marketing and communications, and other campus partners to enhance donor engagement and participation.
• Manage inbound donor and prospect engagement, including inquiries, visits, and campus tours.
• Promote and manage the matching gifts program to maximize philanthropic support.
• Supervise advancement database and services staff (2-3 team members), ensuring data integrity, gift processing, and reporting effectiveness.
• Recruit, train, and supervise students and volunteers supporting annual giving and stewardship efforts.

Performance Metrics
Success in this role will be evaluated based on progress toward the following:
• Achievement of annual unrestricted fundraising goals.
• Growth in total donors and alumni participation.
• Donor retention and reactivation rates.
• Expansion and retention of President's Council ($1,000+ giving level).
• Identification and conversion of annual donors to major gift levels.
• Effective management of annual giving channels, including cost efficiency and ROI.

Education
• Bachelor's degree required.

Experience
• 3-5 years of experience in annual giving fundraising and staff supervision, preferably in higher education or a Catholic non-profit.

Skills & Attributes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strategic vision and the ability to translate institutional priorities into multi-year fundraising plans.
• Digital fluency and ability to use donor data to drive fundraising strategy.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and databases.
• Enthusiasm for Thomas Aquinas College's program of Catholic liberal education and ability to communicate its distinctive mission to donors and prospective supporters.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Creative problem solver.

Benefits
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance available upon completion of one year of employment.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match when employee contributes 5%.
• Paid time off, which includes accrued vacation and sick days, and some paid holidays.

About the Employer

Thomas Aquinas College is dedicated to renewing what is best in the Western intellectual heritage and to conducting liberal education under the guiding light of the Catholic faith.