Associate Director, Donor Acquisition

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Donor Acquisition

🔹 Company: KU Endowment

🔹 Location: Lawrence, Kansas

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Fundraising

🔹 Date Posted: May 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing data-driven strategies for donor acquisition and engagement
• Supervising and mentoring a team of two full-time staff members
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute multi-channel projects
• Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize engagement and acquisition outcomes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset and proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud to effectively manage donor acquisition and engagement strategies.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and implementing data-driven strategies to attract and acquire new donors, focusing on enhancing the donor pipeline

✅ Managing projects effectively and simultaneously, including coordinating with team members to execute multi-channel projects such as mail, email, digital, and social media

✅ Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals

✅ Utilizing Salesforce Marketing Cloud to design, segment, and execute digital donor solicitation and engagement campaigns

✅ Building and maintaining donor segmentation strategies based on data insights to ensure campaigns are personalized and relevant to different donor segments

✅ Developing regular reports on campaign performance, engagement metrics, and acquisition goals

✅ Leading, supervising, and mentoring a team of acquisition-focused staff, including the Senior Multichannel Digital Campaign Coordinator and Assistant Director, Giving Day, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, fostering professional growth, and managing workflow across key campaigns and initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, especially in managing donor communications and ensuring accuracy in project execution.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred, although equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience: Minimum 3 – 5 years' experience, preferred 5 – 7.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and implement data-driven strategies
• Proven ability to manage projects effectively and simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Strong analytical mindset

Preferred Skills:

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, digital marketing, or public relations

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a strong understanding of fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies is essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated salary for this position starts at $75,000+.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. May require occasional evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the nonprofit sector. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: KU Endowment operates in the fundraising industry, partnering with donors to provide philanthropic support to build a greater University of Kansas.

Company Size: KU Endowment has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: KU Endowment was founded in 1891 as America’s first foundation for a public university.

Company Description:

• KU Endowment partners with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater University of Kansas.
• Established in 1891 as America’s first foundation for a public university, KU Endowment embraces its responsibility to inspire philanthropy for KU and is committed to following the highest standards of service and ethical conduct when it comes to managing donors’ gifts for the benefit of the university.

Company Specialties:

• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Philanthropic support for the University of Kansas

Company Website: http://www.kuendowment.org

ASSUMPTION: KU Endowment's mission and values are deeply rooted in its commitment to supporting the University of Kansas through philanthropic efforts.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management career stage, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Donor Acquisition reports directly to the Senior Director, Annual Giving and supervises two full-time staff members.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with occasional remote work possible for meetings and events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior-level or director role within the organization
• Expanding the team and taking on additional responsibilities
• Gaining experience in various aspects of fundraising and donor engagement

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement within KU Endowment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: KU Endowment operates in a professional office environment, with multiple locations across Kansas.

Office Location(s): 1891 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047; 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214; 2100 W. 36th Ave., Kansas City, KS 66160

Geographic Context:

• Lawrence, Kansas, is a mid-sized city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a strong sense of community
• KU Endowment's main office is located near the University of Kansas campus, providing easy access to university resources and events
• The Kansas City metropolitan area, where two additional offices are located, offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and professional networking opportunities

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. May require occasional evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights for meetings, events, and donor engagement activities.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at KU Endowment is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the KU Endowment careers website
• Phone or video screening with the Sr. Human Resources Associate
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Background check and reference checks
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Data-driven strategies and analytical skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Alignment with KU Endowment's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies
• Showcase your ability to develop and implement data-driven strategies
• Prepare examples of successful donor acquisition and engagement campaigns you have led or contributed to

ATS Keywords: Donor acquisition, donor engagement, data-driven strategies, project management, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, fundraising, nonprofit, philanthropy

ASSUMPTION: KU Endowment's hiring process is thorough and comprehensive, with a strong focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Donor management software (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Kindful)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud is essential for success in this role, as it is the primary tool used for donor engagement and acquisition campaigns.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration: Working together to achieve shared goals
• Curiosity: Continuously learning and seeking new opportunities for growth
• Empowerment: Encouraging and supporting team members to take initiative and make decisions
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of our work

Work Style:

• Data-driven and analytical
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-focused and goal-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong analytical mindset and the ability to develop and implement data-driven strategies?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in donor acquisition and engagement?
• Are you proficient in Salesforce Marketing Cloud and other relevant fundraising tools and technologies?
• Do you align with KU Endowment's mission and values, and are you passionate about supporting the University of Kansas through philanthropic efforts?

ASSUMPTION: KU Endowment values candidates who are passionate about its mission and committed to supporting the University of Kansas through philanthropic efforts.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives
• Balancing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Meeting and exceeding donor acquisition and engagement targets
• Adapting to changes in the fundraising landscape and donor preferences
• Working with limited resources and budget constraints

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong project management skills, the ability to adapt to change, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other donor acquisition and engagement roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with a well-established nonprofit organization with a strong commitment to its mission and values
• KU Endowment's focus on data-driven strategies and continuous improvement sets it apart from other fundraising organizations
• This role offers the potential for career advancement and growth within the organization, as well as opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of fundraising and donor engagement

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other donor acquisition and engagement positions, its unique context within KU Endowment provides a distinctive set of opportunities and challenges.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a multi-channel donor acquisition campaign, including email, digital, and social media components, resulting in a 20% increase in new donors
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute a successful giving day campaign, surpassing the previous year's total donations by 15%
• Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize engagement and conversion rates, leading to a 15% increase in donor retention rates

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the types of initiatives and responsibilities associated with the Associate Director, Donor Acquisition role at KU Endowment.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most significant challenges facing the Donor Engagement team currently, and how does this role address those challenges?
• How does KU Endowment support the professional development and growth of its team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does KU Endowment measure the success of its donor acquisition and engagement strategies?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration and partnership with other departments and teams within KU Endowment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to KU Endowment's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the KU Endowment careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of successful donor acquisition and engagement campaigns you have led or contributed to
• Follow up with the Sr. Human Resources Associate, Emily Garcia, one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.