The Director of Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and oversight for Oakland University’s comprehensive annual giving program, with a primary focus on leadership annual giving ($1,000–$25,000), donor pipeline development, and long-term donor engagement. The role is essential to achieving annual fundraising and participation goals by designing and executing integrated, data-informed fundraising strategies that move donors from broad-based engagement to higher levels of philanthropic commitment.
This position leads the strategic direction, administration, and continuous improvement of the Annual Giving team and programs, ensuring strong alignment with University Advancement priorities and the institution’s long-term fundraising strategy. The Director plays an active role in leadership annual giving by leading the Leadership Annual Giving effort, setting clear expectations for donor engagement and solicitation, and personally cultivating and soliciting select leadership-level donors nearing major gift readiness.
Serving as a primary liaison to internal stakeholders across University Advancement and the broader campus, including Deans, Vice Presidents, faculty, and staff, the Director collaborates closely to align annual giving strategies with institutional priorities, strengthen stewardship practices, and build a sustainable pipeline of future major and principal gift donors.
