<p>Position Title Director of Leadership Annual Giving Location Appleton Department Annual Giving Position Type Staff Position Description & Qualifications</p> <p>REPORTS TO: Associate Vice President for Leadership and Institutional Giving</p> <p>LOCATION: 1025 E. South River Street - Appleton, WI</p> <p>About Lawrence University</p> <p>Lawrence University is a top-ranked liberal arts college and conservatory of music, known for its commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and vibrant campus life-including 22 varsity athletic programs. The Advancement team builds the partnerships, philanthropy, and alumni engagement that fuel Lawrence's mission and amplify its impact.</p> <p>The Opportunity</p> <p>Are you a strategic fundraiser with a passion for coaching, collaboration, and meaningful impact? Join a high-performing Advancement team that values creativity, excellence, and community. The Director of Leadership Annual Giving plays a key leadership role, overseeing a team of frontline fundraisers and driving the university's leadership-level annual giving efforts-helping to grow our donor pipeline and fuel our mission.</p> <p>This role offers the opportunity to manage and mentor a dynamic team, cultivate strong donor relationships, and contribute to a collaborative culture that celebrates innovation, results, and mission-driven work.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Lead and manage a team of gift officers focused on leadership-level annual giving ($1,000 and higher). This position will lead fundraising efforts to meet our Lawrence Fund goal of $4 million, including Reunion giving, Crowdfund efforts, Giving Day, the Family Leadership Circle, the Boynton Society, and other annual campaigns. </li><li>Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects; conduct approximately 90 individual meetings annually, primarily within the Midwest. </li><li>Lead peer-driven fundraising programs such as Reunion Giving. </li><li>Build strong partnerships across Advancement to create donor-centric strategies that move prospects from annual giving towards major and planned gifts. </li><li>Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Communications-who is responsible for devising annual giving communication and program strategies-as well as the Executive Director of Development Analytics and Operations. </li><li>Supervise and coach Leadership Annual Giving Officers, supporting their professional development and fundraising success. Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. </li><li>Oversee regular tracking and goal setting with team members; collaborate on portfolio reviews and gift strategy sessions. </li><li>Ensure effective and timely acknowledgment and stewardship of gifts in collaboration with the Advancement Services and Donor Engagement teams. </li><li>Stay informed of trends and best practices in higher education fundraising; share learnings and insights with colleagues. </li><li>Represent Lawrence with professionalism and passion-on the road, online, and on campus. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree required. </li><li>3-5 years of professional fundraising experience preferred, ideally in higher education and annual giving. Previous experience managing staff and/or volunteers preferred. </li><li>Demonstrated success in donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. </li><li>Knowledge of philanthropic strategy, donor databases, and digital fundraising tools. </li><li>Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail. </li><li>A collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial mindset, and sense of humor. </li><li>Comfort with regular travel (primarily regional) with occasional overnights/evenings/weekends. </li></ul> <p>Why Join Lawrence?</p> <ul> <li>A high-impact management and fundraising role with room for creativity and strategy </li><li>A collaborative Advancement team and a vibrant campus community </li><li>Generous benefits, including: </li><li>Three weeks of vacation + paid holidays </li><li>Paid sick leave and parental leave </li><li>Tuition assistance for employees and families </li><li>403(b) with employer match </li><li>Health, dental, vision, and wellness benefits </li><li>Access to fitness center and campus amenities </li></ul> <p>Apply Today</p> <p>Join us in shaping Lawrence University's future. Apply by July 31, 2025, for best consideration.</p> <p>Please submit your resume and a cover letter via https://lawrence.peopleadmin.com. For questions, contact Amy Kester at amy.kester@lawrence.edu.</p> <p>Posting Detail Information</p> <p>Posting Number S537P Number of Vacancies 1 Posting Date Best Consideration Date Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions Summary Anticipated Number of Hours per Week 40</p>