Executive Director of Annual Giving

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Executive Director for Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and oversight for Boise State University’s comprehensive annual giving program.

This position is responsible for driving engagement and philanthropic support through university-wide annual giving campaigns, including parent and family giving and Morrison Center fundraising. A core focus is on building and strengthening the donor pipeline for Leadership Annual Giving and Major Gifts, ensuring donors progress through the donor pyramid and increasing both participation and philanthropic investment.

This role emphasizes innovative strategies for new donor acquisition, retention, and donor upgrades in alignment with the University’s fundraising priorities. The Executive Director leads a team of development professionals, collaborates across campus units, and ensures coordinated efforts that maximize annual giving’s impact on the University’s fundraising ecosystem.

Department Overview:

A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 for the benefit of Boise State University. We work to secure philanthropic support for the university by developing and nurturing relationships with our alumni and friends and stewarding gifts made to support Boise State. The Foundation works closely with university leadership, the Boise State University Alumni Association, and the Bronco Athletic Association.

Mission: To build a greater Boise State University, we provide fundraising leadership and service across the university and partner with donors and alumni to inspire private support.

Core Values:

• Purpose Driven
• Relentless Excellence
• Responsible
• Collaborative

Level Scope:

Recognized master in professional discipline with significant impact and influence on campus policy and program development. Establishes critical strategic and operational goals; develops and implements new products, processes, standards or operational plans to achieve strategies. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the campus; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Requires significant influence and communication with executive leadership. Problems faced are frequently complex and multidimensional, requiring broad based consideration of variables that impact multiple areas of the organization.

Essential Functions:

60% of the time the Executive Director of Annual Giving must:

• Provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight for annual giving programs in alignment with University and Foundation priorities.
• Lead planning and execution of university-wide annual giving campaigns, including digital, direct mail, phonathon, and crowdfunding programs.
• Manage Morrison Center and parent and family giving strategies to inspire investment deepen engagement and increase support.
• Build and sustain the donor pipeline, ensuring smooth transition of donors from annual giving to Leadership Annual Giving and Major Gifts.
• Collaborate with major gift officers to coordinate cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Develop data-driven approaches to new donor acquisition and engagement.

35% of the time the Executive Director of Annual Giving must:

• Prepare and manage the annual giving budget; track expenditures, forecast expenses, and ensure fiscal compliance.
• Analyze program performance, producing reports to inform strategy and future planning.
• Serve as a liaison with campus partners to align annual giving strategies with academic, athletic, and cultural priorities.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on annual giving best practices and donor engagement strategies.

5% of the time the Executive Director of Annual Giving must:

•  Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrate Boise State University Foundation’s core values: Purpose Driven, Responsible, Relentless Excellence, and Collaborative.
• Proven ability to design and implement successful annual giving strategies across multiple channels.
• Expertise in parent and family giving, annual giving campaigns, and donor pipeline development.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding Leadership Annual Giving and Major Gift donors.
• Strong skills in donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to inspire philanthropic engagement.
• Experience leading and mentoring a high-performing fundraising team.
• Knowledge of donor database systems and related fundraising technology.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years experience or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years managerial experience.
• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in annual giving fundraising, specifically at an institution of higher education.

Salary And Benefits:

The starting annual salary range for this position is $107,619.20 to $134,513.60, commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications for the position. Attach a resume that includes employment history (including dates of employment).

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/