Director of Annual and Special Giving (Hybrid)

Updated: about 1 hour ago
Location: Merced, CALIFORNIA


Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $92,300 -$175,700.  The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,000 - $126,000.



Job Closing Date

This position is approved for a Hybrid work modality. The current requirement is 3 - 4 days in the Downtown Campus Center office (based on business needs).

Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around 5/31/2024.Posting will remain open until filled. 

This renewable contract position is eligible for full-time University of California benefits including paid time off, insurance, and retirement plans.



About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.



About the Job

The Director of Annual & Special Giving is responsible for the development, management, and integration of programs that engage friends of the university, alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff in creative and relevant ways to increase annual giving support. This position will report to the Executive Director of Major Gifts and will be a member of the Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships unit within External Relations. The Director oversees the development, management, and evaluation of the annual and special giving programs in order to create, grow, and sustain commitment and engagement among UC Merced's friends and supporters, including alumni. The Director will be tasked with building a program based in best practices in the field and utilizing a market informed approach to annual and special giving.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Designs, leads, and directs the development of annual goals and objectives, operating plans and budgets, and volunteer management plans for annual and alumni giving programs. The Director will develop measurable and applied metrics for success, maintaining an on-going evaluation and reporting system for annual giving and special giving. Implements within digital fundraising programs a results-driven annual giving strategy, and university-wide comprehensive campaign initiatives. Analyzes results to make performance improvements when necessary. Gathers, analyzes, and interprets statistical information and generates reports and analyses on all annual and special giving fundraising programs' performance and results. Provides basic analysis of program trends and results and assists in developing materials that will leverage a multi-channel approach given industry best practices.
  • In collaboration with External Relations staff, this position will oversee the execution of a robust direct marketing program that will leverage the integration of alumni relations and annual giving programming. Works with donor communications and other external relations teams to develop a marketing and strategic communications plan for engaging a broad array of alumni, parents, past parents and campus community in key activities through the incorporation of social media and social media marketing and leverage this form of media to advance annual fund goals, where appropriate and impactful. Oversees the design, communication strategy and fundraising efforts to promote annual giving among several groups, including direct mail appeals, emails, newsletters, on-campus announcements, as well as special giving programs for parents/families and faculty/staff. Develops relationships with vendors for promotions and events. Maintains annual giving website and ensures relevant content and branding. 
  • Responsible for the creation, implementation, and strategic direction of the UC Merced Annual Fund, Giving Tuesday (year-end campaign), Parent and Family Network, and the Chancellor's Associates program in an effort to dramatically increase annual support for the university (unrestricted and restricted), especially to increase the overall number of donors. Work with key campus partners to enhance the culture of philanthropy and expand student, alumni, faculty, staff, and retiree giving. Serves as point of contact for Chancellor's Associates and annual donors. Helps to develop and administer innovative approaches for annual donor engagement and communication; provides opportunities for Chancellor's Associates and high-level annual donors with university constituents, including senior leadership, trustees, and faculty.
  • Assists in the identification, qualification, and cultivation of annual giving donors. Maintains a portfolio of 50 leadership annual giving prospects with a focus on higher capacity leadership level annual donors. Achieves a high rate of renewal and upgrades among this portfolio, making appropriate referrals to the Major Gifts team. 
  • Serves as liaison to the broader university community and external and community groups to share information about annual giving. Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of External Relations and with programs in other offices such as the Office of the Provost, Admissions, Athletics, Student Affairs, Graduate Division, and the academic schools to ensure the integration of alumni and annual supporters into campus programs. Responsible for oversight of all annual giving appeals campus wide. Engage and help campus partners build out annual giving opportunities. Leverage new ideas and research outside higher education to enhance and improve UC Merced's annual and alumni giving programs.
  • Collaborates on strategies for sponsorships and soliciting support for special projects and programs, including Scholars Bridge Crossing, athletics, Chancellor's Associates, and other fundraising events. 
  • Collaborates and provides support to the special events team for events related to and/or in support of annual giving and external relations. 
  • Represents UC Merced on system-wide committees and task forces, including a presenter and panelist when required. Serves as a point of contact for system-wide annual giving initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
  • *LI-RM1



    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution; and
    • 7 years of relevant experience in Fundraising/related field (required); and/or
    • 3-5+ years relevant experience in annual giving and program management (preferred).
    • Valid US Driver's License (required).
    • Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop long-term relationships with alumni, donors, internal and external constituencies.
    • Experience managing a portfolio of annual donors, closing small gifts as well as a demonstrated ability to collaborate with major and leadership gift teams to move people up the giving ladder. 
    • Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with other team members and colleagues across campuses, prioritizing time, and managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
    • Familiarity with development software, database applications and Microsoft Office. 
    • Must be able to travel and work nights and weekends as needed. 


    Background Check

    Background check required.



    Policy Statement

    How to Apply:
    An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

    Equal Employment Opportunity:
    The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy . UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

    Vaccination Program Policy:

    As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

    Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
    The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu .

    E-Verify:
    All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

    Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
    For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/




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