MANAGER of ANNUAL GIVING
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT EEO-1
CLASSIFICATION: Professionals
I. Job Purpose
The Manager of Annual Giving is responsible for a critical segment of Monticello’s philanthropic support received through direct response fundraising efforts. The position creates and implements annual fundraising strategies with the Director of Development to raise more than $800,000 through direct response platforms aimed at donors making gifts up to $6,500. Responsibilities include the creation of renewal and prospect mailings, content distribution, online fundraising campaigns, budget and revenue projections and tracking, and oversight of our donor database. The position manages the Annual Fund Coordinator and the Database Administrator and supports the activities of gift processing and acknowledgements.
II. Essential Functions
A. Under the direction of the Director of Development, manage the cultivation and stewardship of Foundation relationships with donors to Monticello’s direct response program (gifts up to $6,500). This includes:
1. Implementing an existing annual plan to raise more than $800,000 in 2024 through multi-channel campaigns, including mail, email and social media.
2. Writing copy for solicitations that reflects institutional funding priorities and messaging.
3. Collaborating with the Marketing and Communications Department to align communications via social media and serving as the department liaison for distribution of publications such as Monticello’s magazine.
4. Creating and evaluating donor segmentations and performance to inform strategy.
5. Supervise the activities of the Annual Fund Coordinator and utilize his time and talent to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our direct response activities.
B. Track annual progress toward fundraising and outreach goals and provide regular status reports to the Director of Development and President.
C. Manage the direct response budget and provide updates to the Annual Fund Coordinator for tracking purposes; oversee vendors (e.g., printer, mail house) and adhere to annual expense budgets.
D. Create annual fundraising plans and associated budgets for 2025 and each year thereafter to grow revenue 10-15% each year.
E. Supervise the Database Administrator and continue to enhance our donor database efficiency and effectiveness.
F. Support gift processing activities to help ensure donations are recorded and acknowledged properly and promptly.
G. Oversee management of donor-giving groups, such as Friends of the Trail (Saunders-Monticello Trail). Manage renewal mailings, welcome packets, and support the Trail Manager’s efforts to raise funds for the Trail.
H. Work with Development Officers to identify donors capable of giving Cabinet-level gifts ($6,500) for cultivation and solicitation.
I. Collaborate with the Director of Development to incorporate planned giving opportunities into the direct response program.
J. Assist in the preparation of other Development Department communications, including print publications.
III. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
A. Knowledge of philanthropy and the non-profit world with an emphasis on annual giving and direct response.
B. Proven track record of creating annual direct response fundraising plans and achieving revenue targets.
C. Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.
D. Knowledge of the importance of history, art, architecture, and willingness to learn specific information about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.
E. Ability to deftly communicate about sensitive topics using a variety of media.
F. Knowledge of human nature/psychology.
G. Proficiency with MS Office including Excel and experience managing and analyzing data.
H. Experience using relationship management software.
I. Superior customer service skills to communicate and interact with donors.
J. Ability to employ strategic and analytical thinking.
K. Ability to function independently and in a team setting.
L. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
IV. Physical Demands and Work Considerations
The Development Office is located in a building approximately 500 yards from the Monticello House. Frequent driving or walking to the executive offices on the mountaintop with personal vehicle is required.
Monticello is located on a mountaintop. Walking on steep inclines, and uneven, rocky ground is required.
Occasional evening and weekend work required.
V . Education
A. Bachelor degree required.
B. Five to ten years in development preferred, with at least three years of direct experience in direct response programs.