Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.
Virginia Union University (VUU) is seeking an innovative and results-driven Director of Annual Funds to lead and grow the university's annual giving program. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic fundraising initiatives to increase donor participation, engagement, and philanthropic support from alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, and friends of VUU. The Director will oversee direct mail, digital campaigns, leadership annual giving, and donor stewardship efforts to ensure sustainable annual fund growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy to increase unrestricted and restricted financial support.
- Drive multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, email, phone solicitations, social media, and crowdfunding initiatives.
- Identify and cultivate a pipeline of leadership annual gift donors ($1,000+), working closely with the major gifts team to transition prospects to major donors.
- Oversee faculty, staff, and students giving campaigns to promote a culture of philanthropy within the university.
- Develop and manage targeted donor engagement plans to enhance donor retention and increase recurring giving.
- Oversee the VUU giving societies and implement recognition programs to acknowledge donor contributions.
- Plan and execute annual fund donor appreciation events, virtual campaigns, and stewardship activities.
- Partner with Alumni Relations, Marketing, and Communications teams to craft compelling donor appeals and engagement content.
- Work with campus leadership, faculty, and student organizations to drive participation in Giving Days, fundraising challenges, and community philanthropy initiatives.
- Analyze fundraising performance, donor trends, and giving data to refine strategies and maximize donor engagement.
- Manage the Annual Fund budget, ensuring cost-effective execution of campaigns.
- Oversee donor database integrity, ensuring accurate tracking of contributions and engagement history.
Education
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of progressive experience in annual giving, development, fundraising, or advancement within higher education or a nonprofit setting.
- Must be able to lift 10 pounds.
Application Process
Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.
For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page
