Annual Giving: Assistant Director, Donor Campaigns

Job Overview: Assistant Director, Donor Campaigns (Annual Giving)

UCLA, a world-renowned public research university, is seeking an Assistant Director for Annual Giving to join its Advancement team. This role is a cornerstone of the university’s fundraising engine, focused on high-volume donor acquisition and retention. You will be responsible for the strategic execution of multi-channel campaigns that inspire alumni, parents, and friends to invest in the future of the institution.

As the Assistant Director, you are both a project manager and a storyteller. You will translate the university’s complex research and academic goals into compelling “calls to action” that resonate with a diverse donor base, ensuring a steady stream of annual support for UCLA’s mission.

Key Responsibilities & Fundraising Strategy

Campaign Coordination & Execution

• Multi-Channel Outreach: Coordinate the logistics for direct mail, digital giving, and social media campaigns, ensuring consistent branding and messaging across all donor touchpoints.

• Project Management: Lead donor initiatives from conception to completion, managing timelines, vendor relationships, and internal stakeholders to hit university-wide fundraising targets.

• Donor Segmentation: Collaborate with data teams to identify and segment donor groups, tailoring appeals to specific interests (e.g., student scholarships, specific departments, or athletic programs).

Donor Relations & Communication

• Compelling Storytelling: Draft and edit persuasive fundraising appeals, newsletters, and digital content that highlight the impact of donor contributions.

• Interpersonal Engagement: Act as a liaison for the university, building relationships with key supporters and providing high-level stewardship to ensure donors feel valued and informed.

• CRM Management: Utilize sophisticated CRM systems (such as Salesforce or Blackbaud) to track donor interactions, analyze campaign performance, and refine future outreach strategies.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Criteria

• Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in fundraising, development, or a closely related field (e.g., non-profit marketing or alumni relations).

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with CRM systems and data management tools.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and persuade diverse audiences.

  The Organization & Culture In 2026, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) maintains its position as the #1 Public University in the nation (a title held for nine consecutive years). The campus culture is defined by its new “One UCLA” strategic vision—a mission to be more connective, impactful, and exemplary. Under the leadership of Chancellor Julio Frenk, the 2026 academic environment emphasizes “Pluralism,” fostering a community where diverse perspectives are not just tolerated but are essential to the creation of knowledge. Bruins are characterized by a “balanced excellence”: high-achieving in research and academics, yet deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Los Angeles.

  The Campus: A Tale of Two Cultures The 419-acre Westwood campus is famously split by an “invisible demarcation” that defines the student experience:

  • North Campus (Humanities & Arts): Centered around the iconic Royce Hall and Powell Library, the atmosphere here is park-like and relaxed. Architecture is Italian Romanesque, featuring the Sunken Gardens and the Sculpture Garden. The “North Campus” stereotype involves a focus on deep reading, creative projects, and long-form essays.

  • South Campus (STEM): This area feels more like a bustling “city of science.” Dominated by modern high-rises and the “backrooms” aesthetic of Boelter Hall, the culture here is faster-paced and centered on problem sets, lab research, and technical rigor.

  • 2026 Developments: UCLA is currently readying its infrastructure for the 2028 Olympics, with the campus set to serve as the Olympic Village. Major renovations to housing and the Ackerman Student Union have modernized the “Bruin experience” for the mid-2020s.

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  Workplace & Strategic Highlights (2026)

  • Strategic Initiatives (2023–2028 Plan):

    • LA Engagement: A massive 2026 push for “Community-Engaged Research” allows faculty and students to solve local issues like homelessness and environmental policy through Social Impact Collaboratives.

    • Global Reach: In 2026, UCLA was again named a top producer of Fulbright winners, reflecting a commitment to sending “Global Bruins” across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

  • 2026 Compensation & Salaries (University & Alumni):

    • Faculty & Staff: UCLA remains a premier LA employer. Corporate-level roles (Project Managers, Analysts) earn between $95,000 and $160,000, while specialized Software Engineers at the university command up to $210,000.

    • Alumni Career Paths: 2026 data shows high median salaries for graduates in Computer Science ($117k+) and Nursing ($88k+), while Business Economics remains a top-earning undergraduate degree at approximately $65k+.