Job Details

Join UAA as Our Next Annual Giving Officer — and Help Shape a Culture of Philanthropy That Moves Alaska Forward.

The University of Alaska Anchorage is seeking an energetic, strategic and relationship-driven Annual Giving Officer to lead broad-based fundraising efforts that inspire thousands of alumni, donors, and friends to give back. In this high-impact role, you'll drive the vision for UAA's annual giving strategy, manage a dynamic donor portfolio, and spearhead the University of Alaska System's premier Giving Day campaign.

You'll partner with colleges and programs across campus to design smart, targeted outreach—email campaigns, digital appeals, compelling visuals, and social storytelling—that motivates meaningful support through gifts under $1,000. You'll use data to inform decisions, craft personalized donor experiences, and build lasting relationships that strengthen donor participation and retention.

If you're a creative marketer, an organized project leader, and a natural connector who loves turning insights into action, this role offers the perfect mix of strategy, collaboration, and hands‑on campaign execution. You'll work with cutting‑edge fundraising platforms, present results to campus partners, and help UAA reach its ambitious $500,000 annual giving goal.

Ideal candidates bring experience in fundraising or sales, strong communication and digital engagement skills, and the confidence to lead major initiatives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment. A sense of humor, a passion for community, and a commitment to representing UAA with professionalism and enthusiasm are musts.

Make a measurable difference. Grow a culture of giving. Join UAA and help build a brighter future for Alaska and beyond. UAA's salary and benefits package is comprehensive, including competitive salary (grade 81), generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave, health insurance (including dental and vision options), and retirement.

Key Responsibilities

The Annual Giving Officer leads key initiatives that strengthen philanthropic support across the university. This position manages UAA's Giving Day, the Annual Campaign, and segmented appeals for colleges and programs, while also coordinating select donor and campaign‑related events. The officer maintains a portfolio of mid‑level donors and is responsible for generating approximately $500,000 in annual support as part of a 12‑member development team that collectively raises $4–$6 million each year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination).
• Minimum of three years of experience in sales, marketing, or philanthropy; experience in higher education or non‑profit work environment a plus.
• Experience working in a large complex system environment that encompasses diverse communities, people, cultures, and customs preferred.
• Knowledge of philanthropic support, fundraising, and donor relations or marketing and sales knowledge, with an awareness of the importance of understanding industry trends, best practices and technology.

Position Details

This position is located at the University of Alaska campus in Anchorage. This is a full‑time, exempt staff position complete with a competitive salary (grade 81) and a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, and the posting is scheduled to close on 12/31/2025.

Special Instructions to Applicants

As part of your application, please submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references
• Writing Sample: Applicants must provide a sample thank you letter addressed to a University of Alaska Anchorage donor. The letter should demonstrate professional tone, clarity, and an ability to convey gratitude on behalf of the institution. This sample will be used to assess written communication skills and alignment with UAA's donor stewardship practices.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Helen Sale, HR Coordinator, at 907‑786‑6885.

Legal Information

* To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907‑450‑8200.

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.