Associate Director of Annual Giving

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

ID: 7287903 (Ref.No. BSU45488)
Posted: 1 month ago
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

The associate director performs a variety of complex assignments in support of annual giving fundraising under $25,000 at the Ball State University Foundation. This position is responsible for multiple omni-channel fundraising and engagement tactics including multifaceted fundraising email strategies, print solicitations, texting and crowdfunding.
The associate director leads the monthly recurring donor program with a goal of increasing the number of participants year over year. This person is a key partner in athletic annual giving efforts as well.
This position plays a key role in data analysis, reporting results of the digital philanthropy, and implementing changes based on these findings and data trends.

Join Our Team: Associate Director of Annual Giving
Are you ready to be part of an energetic and unified team dedicated to transforming higher education? Our foundation is breaking down barriers between advancement, alumni relations, and stewardship to create a cohesive environment where philanthropy and innovative partnerships thrive. This is your chance to make a significant impact as we fulfill Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University, aimed at elevating student support both financially and academically.

Why Join Us?
  • Dynamic Team Environment: Collaborate with passionate professionals who are committed to our mission.
  • Cutting-Edge Initiatives: Be at the forefront of redefining philanthropy in education.
  • Unified Structure: Work within a seamless organization with no barriers between key departments.
  • Supportive Culture: A high-achieving work environment that values camaraderie and collaboration.
  • Impactful Work: A mission that changes lives through education and philanthropy.

If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative, goal-driven setting, we encourage you to apply for the Associate Director of Annual Giving position. Join us in our mission to support students in realizing their purpose, achieving their dreams, and leading meaningful lives.

Job Function:

The associate director performs a variety of complex assignments in support of annual giving fundraising under $25,000 at the Ball State University Foundation. This position is responsible for multiple omni-channel fundraising and engagement tactics including multifaceted fundraising email strategies, print solicitations, texting and crowdfunding.
The associate director leads the monthly recurring donor program with a goal of increasing the number of participants year over year. This person is a key partner in athletic annual giving efforts as well.
This position plays a key role in data analysis, reporting results of the digital philanthropy, and implementing changes based on these findings and data trends.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum two years of experience in donor relations, annual giving, marketing, sales, project management or a related field.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in a university environment; Knowledge of Blackbaud (Raisers Edge) and/or Fundraising Performance Management (formerly Reeher). Strong attention to detail and ability to project manage many tasks at once. Strong technical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office suites; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Possess high ethical standards in working with confidential information. Preference will be given to candidates with campaign and/or annual giving experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Effectively drive the planning and execution of print, email, texting, and crowdfunding projects for fundraising projects under $25,000. Responsible for partnering with vendors, project scope, scheduling and reporting outcomes. Foster cross-departmental collaboration of strategic efforts. Assist with print appeal campaigns such as college/departmental, Bracken Library and Cardinal Varsity Club.
  • Lead crowdfunding efforts across the University and increase annual revenue from this channel. Hold educational sessions across campus, strategize about new funding opportunities, create a marketing plan to raise awareness, review applications, provide documentation outlining how to maximize digital fundraising efforts, serve as point of contact with vendors and work closely with Advancement Services and Finance colleagues.
  • Build a plan around young alumni giving to Ball State; research trends and methods related to giving among graduates of the last decade, and speak at Young Alumni Council meetings as needed; monitor recent grad giving via the CRM; determine the best strategies to solicit this constituency with a goal of increasing dollars raised annually.
  • Formulate a plan for online giving that complements the overall annual giving strategy. This includes ensuring appropriate funds are listed online, working with advancement services to update page design and functionality, increasing the number of gifts made online, updating the payroll deduction form, addressing abandoned "carts", and applying modern fulfilment tactics to meet donor expectations.
  • Oversee the Foundation's monthly recurring donor program, including planning, execution, strategy and marketing of the program with a goal of annually increasing monthly donors to Ball State. Partner with Donor Relations on how recurring donors are stewarded.
  • Serve on the core team and actively participate in the strategy, planning and execution of One Ball State Day.
  • Use data from fundraising emails, videos and the B1ackbaud system {Net Community, Raisers Edge, FPM, etc.) to drive strategies, test solicitations and engage constituents in effective ways.
  • Partner with Foundation colleagues to conduct post event solicitations; Write, design, execute, track and report outcomes.
  • Actively meet with peers at other institutions to continuously learn new methods, best practices and become aware of trends in philanthropy. Use the professional services provided
  • Other professional duties within the Ball State University Foundation as assigned.


At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.