Director of Annual Giving

Organization Overview

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a Catholic lay organization leading women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are in need and suffering. With thousands of local Conferences and Councils across the U.S., SVdP addresses human needs in countless communities, inspired by the Gospel values of charity and justice.

As a part of our National Council, headquartered in St. Louis, we support, guide, and grow the work of SVdP throughout the United States. We seek passionate, mission-driven individuals to join our team and help advance our vision of a more compassionate and equitable world.

Position Summary

The Director of Annual Giving plays a vital role in growing the Society’s national philanthropic revenue through strategic donor engagement. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), this position is responsible for overseeing and growing SVdP’s direct response fundraising programs — including direct mail, mid-level giving, monthly giving, and online giving.

This role also collaborates with local SVdP Councils to expand donor acquisition efforts, supports national fundraising campaigns, and cultivates relationships with national partners that enhance local and national impact.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategy to grow revenue through direct mail, online giving, monthly donors, and mid-level donor programs.
Oversee a multi-channel direct-response program, including coordination with external direct mail vendors.
Collaborate with CAO to design and implement a comprehensive marketing plan for mid-level donors aimed at increasing retention, average gift size, and identifying major/planned gift prospects.
Design donor upgrade pathways to improve donor lifetime value (e.g., monthly and mid-level transitions).
Create and manage program budgets; monitor and report on fundraising results.
Work closely with SVdP Councils across the U.S. to grow donor acquisition through a shared national campaign.
Support national fundraising campaigns, such as the Friends of the Poor® Walk and the National Vehicle Donation Program.
Manage and grow the National Partnership Program, which benefits SVdP Conferences and Councils nationwide.
Directly Supervise and support the Development Coordinator, delegating tasks, supporting professional development, and ensuring alignment with department goals and timelines.
Perform other development-related activities as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in development, donor programs, or sales with measurable outcomes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective in presentations and conveying ideas.
Demonstrated Experience managing staff and/or volunteers, familiarity with annual goal setting, performance evaluations and the ability to provide constructive feedback and support performance growth.
Experience managing vendors and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM and email marketing platforms.
Proven self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to travel occasionally as needed.

Core Competencies

Deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and Catholic values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on donor stewardship and philanthropic impact.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and follow-through.
Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach to achieving goals.
Accountability & Performance

Demonstrate success in growing revenue through annual giving programs.
Create and manage marketing plans for 400–600 mid-level donors.
Manage complex processes, people, and deadlines in alignment with organizational values and policies.
Foster strong donor relationships and clearly communicate the impact of giving.
Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Kevin Miller, CAO, kmiller@svdpusa.org by Friday, August 8.

The National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visit: www.svdpusa.org