At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!
Application Instructions:
When submitting your application, please adhere to the following requirements:
Carefully review all job details prior to applying.
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification.
Upload a comprehensive résumé/CV and cover letter in either PDF (.pdf) or Word (.doc) format.
Current Wellesley College employees must submit applications through the internal Workday portal by searching “browse jobs.”
Job Posting Title
Senior Director, Annual Giving Programs - HybridJob Description Summary
Administrative ExemptJob Description
The Senior Director, Annual Giving Programs is the chief architect and strategist for Wellesley College’s annual fundraising ecosystem. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Development and Campaign Director, the Senior Director provides visionary leadership for a comprehensive program that secures essential unrestricted and current-use support. This role is responsible for the design, execution, and continuous optimization of a multi-channel operation that engages alumnae and friends to support Wellesley’s mission: to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world.
The Senior Director holds explicit accountability for meeting and forecasting annual revenue goals ($12M+) and overseeing the strategic growth of the donor pipeline. A high-priority mandate is to drive participation among young alumnae (2010s/2020s) and ensure annual giving strategies are seamlessly integrated with broader Campaign priorities. Leading a high-performing team focused on volunteer management and frontline fundraising, the Senior Director serves as a key bridge-builder with the Wellesley College Alumnae Association (WCAA) and Communications and Public Affairs (CPA).
Primary Position Responsibilities:
Revenue Accountability & Strategic Growth:
Direct ownership of annual dollar and participation goals. Responsible for revenue forecasting and the design of multi-year strategies to reverse national participation trends, with a specific focus on the 2010s and 2020s cohorts.
Reunion Giving & Campaign Alignment:
Lead the overarching strategy for Reunion Giving, ensuring annual fund goals are aligned with broader Campaign priorities and Major Gift objectives. Drive strategy for milestone reunions to maximize both immediate revenue and long-term donor lifetime value.
Omni-Channel Strategy & Digital Depth:
Lead a sophisticated omni-channel approach with an emphasis on digital acquisition, peer-to-peer fundraising, SMS, and the adoption of emerging technologies to emphasize modernization. Serve as a key strategic partner to CPA and Development Marketing in the design of Giving Day.
Team Leadership & Volunteer Management:
Supervise a team of frontline fundraisers and support staff. Oversee high-level volunteer recruitment and training, fostering a culture of high-stakes results and professional mentorship.
Data-Informed Strategy:
Partner with the Fundraising Analytics team to translate data-driven insights and models into actionable fundraising tactics. Incorporate provided analytics to identify leadership prospects and refine segmentation strategies.
Budget & Vendor Coordination:
Manage the Annual Giving departmental budget and maintain relationships with external direct response agencies. Coordinate with LTS and the AVP of Information Strategy and Operations on technology-related vendor partnerships and platform integrations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position supervises up to three frontline fundraisers and up to three annual fund coordinators, in addition to an administrative assistant
Basic Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience: 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in educational fundraising or a related field.
Leadership: Proven track record of managing staff and large-scale, multi-channel projects.
Financial Oversight: Proven experience managing budgets and accountability for eight figure revenue targets.
Skills and Abilities:
Strategic Architect: Ability to align annual giving with long-term campaign goals and major gift pipelines.
Modernization & Digital Depth: Expert knowledge of the modern digital landscape, including digital acquisition, peer-to-peer tools, and omni-channel orchestration; ability to work collaboratively across departments (CPA/Marketing) to execute digital initiatives.
Collaborative Leadership: Ability to navigate a complex institutional environment, specifically partnering with Communications, the Alumnae Association, Fundraising Analytics, and Information Strategy/LTS.
Analytical Application: Ability to interpret complex data and reports from the Fundraising Analytics team to pivot strategies and improve performance metrics.
Flexibility & Schedule We value a collaborative hybrid environment. You will join us on campus on Wednesdays, plus two additional days per week that work best for your schedule and the team's needs. While standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, please note that evening and weekend hours are required as needed for donor and prospect interaction.
Salary:
The pay range for this role is $130,000.00 to $140,000.00
Company Description and Benefits
Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.
Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.
Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College – where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!
Worker Sub-Type
AdministrativeTime Type
Full timeEEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.
Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.