Leadership Annual Giving Position

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer
Position Type: Full-time, 12-month
Salary Range: $85,000-115,000
Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Atherton, CA – This position is an in-person position

Position Overview

Within the division of the Alumni Engagement & Development Office (AED), this position reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). The AED team is seeking a results-oriented fundraising professional to lead our Leadership Annual Giving program. This role is available to applicants at three unique experience-based levels–Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director–with responsibilities and expectations that scale accordingly. The incumbent will manage a portfolio of leadership-level annual donors, cultivate and solicit donors to meet revenue goals, steward relationships, and collaborate across development, alumni engagement, and program teams to advance institutional priorities.

Core Responsibilities (common to all levels)

Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects and donors, utilizing moves management and personalized outreach.
Meet or exceed individual revenue and engagement targets through direct asks, renewals, upgrades, and cultivation plans.
Develop and execute tailored stewardship plans that deepen donor engagement and retention.
Prepare persuasive solicitation materials, proposals, briefing notes, and impact reports.
Maintain accurate records in the donor database; ensure timely, professional donor communications.
Collaborate with marketing, events, major gifts, and program teams to align messaging and engagement opportunities.
Represent the organization at donor meetings, cultivation events, and occasional evening/weekend functions.
Use data and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Distinct Expectations by Level

Assistant or Associate Director of Leadership Annual Giving (Entry to Mid-Level):

Portfolio size: typically 150–250 assigned prospects/donors with mid-range giving capacity.
Annual revenue target: modest (e.g., $150K–$300K).
Primary responsibilities: execute cultivation plans, conduct qualified face-to-face and virtual visits, draft solicitation language, assist with stewardship events, and support donor research.
Supervision: works under close guidance from senior staff; limited supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications: 2–4 years of fundraising or related experience; strong written and interpersonal skills; comfort making asks; basic CRM competency.

Director of Leadership Annual Giving (Experienced Professional):

Portfolio size: typically 100–175 higher-capacity prospects/donors.
Annual revenue target: significant (e.g., $300K–$600K).
Responsibilities: develop and implement individualized solicitation strategies, lead donor meetings and major asks, design stewardship initiatives, provide mentorship to associates, and contribute to strategy and reporting.
Supervision: limited supervision; limited supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications: 5–8 years of fundraising experience, proven track record of solicitation and revenue attainment, excellent relationship-building and project management skills, and advanced CRM proficiency.

Required Qualifications (all levels)

Experience in nonprofit fundraising, e.g., higher education, healthcare, or the arts.
Proven ability to cultivate and solicit donors with diplomacy and integrity.
Excellent written and verbal communication; strong presentation skills.
Comfortable making in-person, phone, and virtual asks.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience with donor CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and proficiency in MS Office/Google Workspace.
Ability to work some evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a frontline fundraiser in higher education.
Familiarity with annual giving strategies, donor segmentation, and analytics.
Experience developing and managing events and stewardship programming.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

About Menlo College

Menlo College is a diverse and tight-knit community of exceptional, involved people. Our mission is to: “…ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” We attract students from all over the world who are committed to learning, playing intercollegiate sports, starting and leading organizations, and making an impact in their communities.

Continuing an unbroken streak for more than a decade, Menlo College was named to the most recent Princeton Review “Best Colleges” list, recognition given to only 12% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. Menlo College was also ranked #11 in Money for Best Business Colleges in the U.S. Menlo College is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Only 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. achieve this dual recognition.

Our campus is located 30 miles south of San Francisco, in Silicon Valley – one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative locations. Silicon Valley is renowned as an innovation incubator with exceptional opportunities for experience-based learning.

Menlo College’s School of Business offers bachelor’s degree programs, ten majors, and two graduate degree programs. Menlo College is accredited by AACSB and WSCUC.

Application Process

Please apply with a cover letter and current resume. Submission of all application materials in
an electronic format is highly encouraged. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until
the position is filled. Please email materials to:

Menlo College
Attn: Human Resources Department|
1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027-4301
Or via email to hr@menlo.edu

Menlo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity. All prospective Menlo College employees are required to satisfy a background check, as well as clearance annually for the operation of a motor vehicle on behalf of Menlo College.