Director, Annual Giving

Job Description

Job Description

Goal : To glorify God by faithfully supporting the mission of Tree of Life Christian Schools and serving as a support to our Advancement Department.

Reporting Structure :

Reports to : Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)

Evaluation : Conducted annually by the CAO

Position Type : Exempt / Salary

Personal / Spiritual Qualities

Tree of Life Christian Schools seek individuals whose faith and commitment inspire others to pursue a relationship with Christ. As a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ, all Tree of Life employees are expected to exhibit the following qualities :

Strong, evident personal relationship with Jesus Christ and active growth in spiritual maturity.

Commitment to serving as a godly role model with a spirit of dedication, service, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Positive attitude, displaying joy, sensitivity, and responsiveness to the needs of others.

Desire to support and encourage co-workers and the Tree of Life community.

Full alignment with Tree of Life Christian Schools’ Statement of Faith and active membership in a Bible-believing church without significant doctrinal differences from Tree of Life’s Statement of Faith.

Position Summary

The Director of Annual Giving is tasked with expanding Tree of Life’s donor base, fostering deep relationships, and securing financial support aligned with annual fundraising objectives. Reporting to the CAO, the Director of Annual Giving manages an existing donor portfolio, cultivates relationships with new prospects, and collaborates closely with the Advancement Department to meet and exceed fundraising goals. This role ensures a mission-driven approach to fund development, contributing significantly to Tree of Life’s sustainability and growth.

Professional Requirements

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

Experience : 3-5 years of experience with a proven track record in fundraising or sales, including budget management and a history of meeting or exceeding financial goals.

Key Skills :

Highly relational, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to build and maintain confidential relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to shifting priorities.

Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management systems (such as NEON, Salesforce, or DonorPerfect).

Experience in an independent school or non-profit organization preferred.

Proven success in event planning and donor communications, including effective use of social media and digital platforms.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across school constituencies.

Core ResponsibilitiesFundraising & Donor Cultivation

Help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through a relationship with Tree of Life, securing gifts ranging from $100 to $100,000, with an annual fundraising target of $600,000 .

Conduct direct, face-to-face solicitations and relationship-building activities with prospective donors.

Identify and share potential major donor leads with the CAO and Superintendent to foster long-term support.

Actively participate in area networking events and annual fundraising activities to build relationships with community stakeholders.

Relationship Management

Build and foster relationships with Tree of Life stakeholders, cultivating a culture of stewardship and appreciation within the donor community.

Acknowledge and recognize major donors through both public and private channels.

Represent the Advancement Department at school-wide functions, contributing to positive community relations.

Data & Reporting

Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, portfolio management, and new prospect tracking within the donor database, utilizing wealth screening tools.

Prepare and present statistical, demographic, and progress reports in collaboration with the Director of Donor Strategy & Development and the Donor Coordinator.

Professional Development & Community Involvement

Attend and participate in professional development opportunities, including school fundraising and advancement-related education.

Join and participate regularly in meetings with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other relevant local organizations.

Engage in local service and networking organizations to strengthen community relationships and broaden outreach efforts.

Evaluation Criteria

Performance will be evaluated based on measurable fundraising success, the ability to foster and maintain donor relationships, and alignment with Tree of Life’s spiritual and mission-centered values. Metrics will include annual fundraising target achievement, donor retention rates, and stakeholder feedback on relationship management.

Salary : $100,000