Associate Director of Annual Giving
St. Bonaventure University (NY), Cuba, NY, United States
Overview
The Associate Director of Annual Giving serves as a strategic partner to the Director of Annual Giving in advancing St. Bonaventure University’s annual fundraising program. Working under the strategic leadership of the Director of Annual Giving, the Associate Director is responsible for implementing annual giving initiatives, managing campaign execution, and supporting data-informed strategies that strengthen donor participation and engagement.
This position plays a key role in the planning, execution, and analysis of integrated annual giving campaigns designed to increase donor participation, strengthen donor retention, and grow philanthropic support for the Bonaventure Fund and Bonnies Athletic Fund.
The Associate Director contributes to the development and implementation of data-driven solicitation strategies, manages multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and supports segmentation and performance analysis that informs annual giving strategy. The position collaborates closely with colleagues across Advancement—including Alumni Engagement, Donor Relations and Advancement Communications, Major Gifts, and Advancement Operations—to ensure coordinated donor engagement and measurable fundraising outcomes.
The Associate Director may develop and manage a small portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects (approximately 20–25 donors) as appropriate. The role also recruits and supports alumni volunteers participating in fundraising initiatives and works collaboratively with Alumni Engagement colleagues to connect engagement opportunities with philanthropic participation.
The position supports a unified annual giving strategy that integrates university and athletics participation fundraising.
Responsibilities
Leads and manages the implementation of multi-channel annual giving campaigns that support the Bonaventure Fund and athletics annual giving priorities. Campaigns may include digital appeals, direct mail, email solicitations, giving days, reunion giving initiatives, and targeted participation campaigns.
Analyzes fundraising data to evaluate campaign performance, donor behavior, and participation trends. Develops reports and dashboards that support data-informed fundraising decisions and recommends strategies to strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and participation.
Drafts compelling solicitation messaging and campaign content for email, digital, and direct mail appeals. Collaborates with the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Advancement Communications to ensure alignment between solicitation messaging, donor stewardship, and advancement communications.
Manages campaign production timelines and internal project workflows to ensure timely and coordinated solicitation efforts. Works closely with Advancement Operations to develop segmentation strategies and improve donor targeting and campaign effectiveness.
Develops and implements strategies that connect alumni engagement activity with philanthropic participation. Works closely with the Alumni Engagement team to align alumni programming, reunion giving initiatives, volunteer ambassador programs, and alumni communications with annual giving goals and donor participation growth.
Recruits, trains, and supports alumni volunteers participating in fundraising initiatives including reunion giving committees, giving day ambassadors, and participation-based fundraising campaigns. Provides guidance and resources that enable volunteers to successfully engage their peers in philanthropic support.
May develop and manage a small portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects (approximately 20–25 donors). Responsibilities may include donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities in coordination with the Director of Annual Giving and Major Gifts team.
Recruits, supervises, and mentors work-study students supporting annual giving initiatives and student philanthropy programs.
Supplemental Functions
Participates in cross-divisional planning initiatives and represents the Annual Giving program in projects that advance donor participation and engagement goals.
Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and best practices in annual giving, digital fundraising, and donor engagement.
Engages in meaningful and intentional professional development appropriate for areas of responsibility.
Has the ability to travel locally and within the Western New York region for university business.
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree
Years of Experience Preferred:
Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, annual giving, development communications, nonprofit development, or related advancement work. Experience in higher education advancement strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to analyze fundraising data and develop data-informed strategies that strengthen donor participation and retention.
Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling donor solicitations and fundraising messaging.
Experience managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns including digital appeals, direct mail, and participation-based fundraising initiatives.
Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and campaign timelines.
Ability to recruit, motivate, and manage volunteers in support of fundraising initiatives.
Ability to build effective relationships with donors, volunteers, alumni, and colleagues across campus.
Experience with donor database and CRM systems, preferably Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Experience with digital fundraising tools and campaign analytics platforms preferred.
Graphic design experience or familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of donor and university information and exercise sound judgment in decision making.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with internal and external constituents.
Ability to accept supervision, assignments, change, and constructive feedback in a professional manner.
Adhere to the governing documents, policies, and procedures established by St. Bonaventure University.
Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements Physically able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated frequently. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain standing up to 15% of the time. Possesses dexterity abilities required to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Other Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Benefits Full-time employees at SBU enjoy unparalleled benefits and programs:
Abundance of Time off
Tuition Remission
Full Benefit package
100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
50% for spouse (ground programs only)
403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
Dental Insurance
Employer Paid Life insurance
Short-term Disability
Employer Paid Long-term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Free access to campus fitness center
2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
Golf course membership discount
Other National and Local discounts available
About the University St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.
The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.
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This position plays a key role in the planning, execution, and analysis of integrated annual giving campaigns designed to increase donor participation, strengthen donor retention, and grow philanthropic support for the Bonaventure Fund and Bonnies Athletic Fund.
The Associate Director contributes to the development and implementation of data-driven solicitation strategies, manages multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and supports segmentation and performance analysis that informs annual giving strategy. The position collaborates closely with colleagues across Advancement—including Alumni Engagement, Donor Relations and Advancement Communications, Major Gifts, and Advancement Operations—to ensure coordinated donor engagement and measurable fundraising outcomes.
The Associate Director may develop and manage a small portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects (approximately 20–25 donors) as appropriate. The role also recruits and supports alumni volunteers participating in fundraising initiatives and works collaboratively with Alumni Engagement colleagues to connect engagement opportunities with philanthropic participation.
The position supports a unified annual giving strategy that integrates university and athletics participation fundraising.
Responsibilities
Leads and manages the implementation of multi-channel annual giving campaigns that support the Bonaventure Fund and athletics annual giving priorities. Campaigns may include digital appeals, direct mail, email solicitations, giving days, reunion giving initiatives, and targeted participation campaigns.
Analyzes fundraising data to evaluate campaign performance, donor behavior, and participation trends. Develops reports and dashboards that support data-informed fundraising decisions and recommends strategies to strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and participation.
Drafts compelling solicitation messaging and campaign content for email, digital, and direct mail appeals. Collaborates with the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Advancement Communications to ensure alignment between solicitation messaging, donor stewardship, and advancement communications.
Manages campaign production timelines and internal project workflows to ensure timely and coordinated solicitation efforts. Works closely with Advancement Operations to develop segmentation strategies and improve donor targeting and campaign effectiveness.
Develops and implements strategies that connect alumni engagement activity with philanthropic participation. Works closely with the Alumni Engagement team to align alumni programming, reunion giving initiatives, volunteer ambassador programs, and alumni communications with annual giving goals and donor participation growth.
Recruits, trains, and supports alumni volunteers participating in fundraising initiatives including reunion giving committees, giving day ambassadors, and participation-based fundraising campaigns. Provides guidance and resources that enable volunteers to successfully engage their peers in philanthropic support.
May develop and manage a small portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects (approximately 20–25 donors). Responsibilities may include donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities in coordination with the Director of Annual Giving and Major Gifts team.
Recruits, supervises, and mentors work-study students supporting annual giving initiatives and student philanthropy programs.
Supplemental Functions
Participates in cross-divisional planning initiatives and represents the Annual Giving program in projects that advance donor participation and engagement goals.
Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and best practices in annual giving, digital fundraising, and donor engagement.
Engages in meaningful and intentional professional development appropriate for areas of responsibility.
Has the ability to travel locally and within the Western New York region for university business.
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree
Years of Experience Preferred:
Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, annual giving, development communications, nonprofit development, or related advancement work. Experience in higher education advancement strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to analyze fundraising data and develop data-informed strategies that strengthen donor participation and retention.
Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling donor solicitations and fundraising messaging.
Experience managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns including digital appeals, direct mail, and participation-based fundraising initiatives.
Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and campaign timelines.
Ability to recruit, motivate, and manage volunteers in support of fundraising initiatives.
Ability to build effective relationships with donors, volunteers, alumni, and colleagues across campus.
Experience with donor database and CRM systems, preferably Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Experience with digital fundraising tools and campaign analytics platforms preferred.
Graphic design experience or familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of donor and university information and exercise sound judgment in decision making.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with internal and external constituents.
Ability to accept supervision, assignments, change, and constructive feedback in a professional manner.
Adhere to the governing documents, policies, and procedures established by St. Bonaventure University.
Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements Physically able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated frequently. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain standing up to 15% of the time. Possesses dexterity abilities required to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Other Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Benefits Full-time employees at SBU enjoy unparalleled benefits and programs:
Abundance of Time off
Tuition Remission
Full Benefit package
100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
50% for spouse (ground programs only)
403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
Dental Insurance
Employer Paid Life insurance
Short-term Disability
Employer Paid Long-term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Free access to campus fitness center
2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
Golf course membership discount
Other National and Local discounts available
About the University St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.
The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.
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