Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Annual Giving Director is a full-time position responsible for the strategy, execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program. This role is crucial to building a culture of philanthropy at NOLS and to expanding the pipeline of major gift donors and prospects, building an annual giving program focused on acquisition and retention, leading to an annual fundraising goal of $3M+. This role will coordinate and help shape the strategies around annual giving solicitations, including the selection of appropriate channels, target populations, and messaging, with a goal of continued growth.

At its core, this position is project management and data analysis, providing the Advancement team with continuous updates on appeal planning, status, and timelines; working with vendors, internal team members, and CAO on implementing the annual appeal calendar across multiple channels; providing metrics and reporting for each complete appeal, analyzing data on year over year performance, and tracking metrics to goals; and thinking creatively about new appeals, segments, and data points.

This position requires a high degree of judgment, responsibility, organization, collaboration, and management. Implementing effective written and oral communication skills is essential. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work across multiple departments, and meet continuous deadlines is a must.

Key Logistical Information:

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Start date: Two weeks from the time of offer.

• Benefits: This position is eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution, and more.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Annual Giving Director do?

This role is on our Advancement team:

• Conceptualize and drive an innovative, multi-year annual giving strategy and tactical plan with a foundation in broad based appeals that will increase overall giving (goal: $3.5 million+ in FY24) and alumni participation. 

• Design and implement the necessary tactics to improve donor retention and contribute to the building of a robust pipeline of annual giving prospects.

• Analyze metrics and key performance indicators for respective initiatives and programs.

• Contribute to the development of messaging and materials that articulate the importance of annual gifts to NOLS’ success.

• Partner with Associate Advancement Officer on leadership annual giving and Associate Advancement Directors (major gifts) to identify and develop annual giving prospects as well as identify opportunities for challenge donors as part of broad-based campaigns.

• Partner with the fundraising team to set individual annual giving asks for managed prospects; Ensure individual gift officers have a clear understanding of the annual giving strategy and tactical plans for the year; regularly check in with gift officers to monitor individual annual giving goals.

• Partner with Marketing and Communications and vendors to develop and implement targeted and broad campaigns through direct mail, peer-to-peer, electronic and staff-driven fundraising efforts; use innovative marketing techniques and strategies that recognize how different generations and affinity cohorts respond to outreach and engagement efforts; target audiences include current and prospective alumni and parent/family donors, students, and friends.

• Manage the NOLS alumni and donor engagement program, ensuring proper staffing and deployment of alumni engagement and solicitation strategies; long term goal of revitalizing the program. 

• Continually monitor progress against fundraising targets; partner with the Director of Advancement Operations to analyze robust data sets; and implement strategies to ensure success in meeting goals. 

• Collaborate with the Donor Relations Coordinator to ensure the accurate and meaningful stewardship of gifts to the NOLS Fund.

• Manage budgets for programming activities as assigned.

• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What makes a great Annual Giving Director at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

•  Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience.

• At least five years of relevant experience preferably in higher education annual giving programs recognized for their strength and effectiveness, or similar experience in a non-profit complex environment that emphasizes broad-based fundraising, donor acquisition, volunteer management, and stewardship.

• Demonstrated experience using data to guide fundraising efforts. Conversant with robust data analytic skills to guide a comprehensive and intricate fundraising program. 

• Sophisticated understanding of digital communications strategies to include social media, fundraising software, and email-based solicitations and an understanding of how they may be used to increase alumni participation rates and revenue. 

• Prior experience working with staff and volunteers, the ability to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes.

• A keen understanding and appreciation for the role annual, unrestricted giving has on the overall fundraising success of an organization and the fiscal health of an institution. 

• Demonstrated ability to think and plan long-term while successfully attending to more immediate goals and tasks; strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to meet multiple simultaneous deadlines and to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including superb relationship skills and ability to work with people across a wide range of levels of power and influence.

• Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve.

• Proficiency with fundraising databases (especially Raiser’s Edge and Mission CRM) and technology.

• Familiarity with IRS regulations—as they relate to philanthropic giving—and accounting and reporting standards. 

• Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e. nights and weekends).

• Appreciation of NOLS’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it.

• Strong, self-motivated work ethic; flexibility; and proven capability to work both independently and collaboratively and constructively as a member of a diverse community; ability to navigate effectively in a complex environment.

• An entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Meet the team and learn how your role fits into the overall advancement scope

• Review and revise annual giving calendar

• Map out annual giving strategies within the development plan

• Plan and execute Giving Tuesday campaign

• Plan and execute year end giving campaign

• Help leadership evaluate and expand existing AG personnel and practices 

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit of free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Additional Information

NOLS can currently employ remote employees who have legal working rights in the United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, and India. In the U.S. and Canada, we can support remote employees in the following states/provinces: Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Ontario, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request