Description
Job Title: Director of Annual Giving
Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Advancement Officer
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Position Overview:
Atlanta Youth Academy (AYA) is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven, and self-motivated Director of Annual Giving. The Director of Annual Giving will be responsible for soliciting, cultivating, and stewarding individual support from individuals to ensure the Academy meets its annual fundraising goals. This role will develop and implement strategies to engage donors, create meaningful giving opportunities, and build long-term relationships that advance the mission and programs of AYA.
Working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer and collaborating with the development team and AYA President, the Director of Annual Giving will drive growth of the Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) revenue streams by cultivating and stewarding individual donors. This role creates meaningful giving opportunities, builds long-term donor relationships, and ensures AYA has the resources needed to advance its mission and programs during this exciting time of growth.
The ideal candidate has a combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes to successfully engage and motivate contributions that inspire giving, strengthen donor understanding of the Annual Fund, and communicate the benefits of state and federal SSO programs.
This position is a salaried, exempt, full time, regular 12-month position. Core business hours are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required as duties demand.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
Solicit and steward current, lapsed, and prospective donors to support AYA’s Annual Giving initiatives.
Plan and coordinate Annual Fund appeals, including messaging, timelines, and follow-up strategies. (Targeted direct mail, phone and e-mail appeals)
Educate donors about state and federal SSO programs, including Georgia GOAL and Federal GOAL tax credit opportunities.
Coordinate with Arete staff to plan for donor visits.
Recruit and manage the efforts of the Leadership Gift Committee.
Plan Annual Report content, collaborate on design, printing and distribution.
Stewardship
Work with the Development Coordinator to ensure timely and personalized acknowledgement of all gifts.
Maintain accurate donor records and listings for the Annual Report, Auction, and other recognition materials.
Track donor engagement and giving history to support ongoing stewardship efforts.
Assist in creating strategies to recognize and retain donors through targeted communications and events.
Cultivate and maintain long-term donor relationships to maximize engagement and giving.
Track and report on giving trends and progress toward fundraising goals.
Support additional stewardship and cultivation events as needed.
Events and Community Relations
Plan and oversee key donor and recognition events, including Annual Fund events and constituency gatherings.
Coordinate logistics, messaging, and follow-up for events in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager and Development team.
Solicit and track Auction Fund-a-Need pledges, ensuring accurate recording and timely acknowledgment.
Support event planning to maximize meaningful engagement and cultivation opportunities for donors and prospects.
Collaborate with the Development Coordinator to ensure event communications and materials reflect the Academy’s mission and goals.
Analyze post-event results and provide insights to improve future donor engagement and fundraising efforts.
Represent AYA in appropriate community forums.
Collaboration & Team Support
Work collaboratively with the Chief Advancement Officer and Grants Manager to support grant-related reporting and donor communications when needed.
Assist with development team projects and initiatives as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Relations or similar field required.
Experience
Minimum of 2 years’ experience within a nonprofit environment required.
Demonstrated track record of soliciting annual donors or managing comparable development initiatives. (Including tax credit programs preferred)
Experience working with donor databases, such as Blackbaud NXT preferred.
Skills & Attributes
Interpersonal Excellence: Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, volunteers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Organizational Strength: Skilled in managing multiple tasks independently with minimal supervision; highly organized with a strong ability to prioritize and plan effectively.
Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; actively listens and responds with empathy and clarity.
Technological Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software systems necessary for operational success.
Professionalism and Accountability: Consistently models professionalism through appearance, punctuality, accountability, and commitment to the mission and values of Atlanta Youth Academy.
Solution-Focused Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities for improvement, offering thoughtful ideas and suggestions to support broader organizational goals.
Commitment to Growth: Embraces lifelong learning and demonstrates a consistent desire for personal and professional development
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience. AYA offers a competitive benefits package including a Christian environment, health insurance, daily lunch, paid professional development opportunities and time off, retirement options, on-site parking and EV connections.
To apply send the below to businessoffice@atlantayouthacademy.com; a complete candidate package must include:
Cover Letter
Resume
3 Professional References (at least 1 supervisor required)
About Atlanta Youth Academy
Founded in 1997, Atlanta Youth Academy (AYA) is a Christ-centered, independent school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade from under-resourced communities. AYA is committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, spiritually, and socially—equipping scholars with the character, confidence, and foundation needed to thrive in high school, college, and beyond. Through transformational educational experiences and a supportive, mission-driven community, AYA prepares students for lives of purpose and impact. Atlanta Youth Academy also fosters a collaborative and faith-filled work environment where dedicated professionals can grow, serve, and contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s mission.
Atlanta Youth Academy exists to advance the kingdom of God by offering an excellent Christ-centered education to underserved communities. We are committed to developing servant-leaders who will impact their communities and the world.
