Annual Fund Manager

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Annual Fund Manager leads the strategy and execution of the museum’s annual giving program to drive donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades across multichannel campaigns (print, email, social, web, phone, and in-person). The role manages an integrated appeals calendar; partners closely with Marketing, Visitor Experience, and Membership; produces regular performance dashboards; and delivers a thoughtful stewardship program that strengthens loyalty and builds a pipeline to mid-level and major gifts. This position also leads event planning and logistics for all major development events.

Responsibilities

Annual Fund Campaigns

• Manage multi-channel annual fundraising campaigns (direct mail, email, social media, phone, onsite) targeted primarily to donors giving under $1,000.

• Develop and execute strategies to acquire new donors, retain current donors, and encourage upgrades among mid-level supporters.

• Draft appeal content, coordinate with Marketing for design and distribution, and manage vendor relationships (printers, mail house, digital ad partners).

Donor Stewardship & Processing

• Oversee prompt and accurate processing of all annual gifts; generate timely acknowledgments and customized thank-you letters.

• Maintain data integrity in CRM, including accurate entry of donor records and gift designations.

• Implement a stewardship calendar for annual donors under $1,000, including tailored acknowledgments, giving summaries, and donor recognition opportunities.

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

• Track giving patterns for annual donors; identify prospects with capacity to move into the $1,000+ major gifts pipeline (Biggs Society).

• Conduct research on new annual donors and prepare short bios/profiles for leadership and the Deputy Director.

• Support moves-management tracking for mid-level donors transitioning toward major gift cultivation.

Events & Engagement

• Assist in planning and execution of cultivation/stewardship events, including but not limited to: major fundraisers, Director's Dinner, Biggs Society events, and special events for annual fund donors under $1,000, ensuring strong donor experiences and potential pipeline growth.

• Secure sponsorship for events, as needed, and work with Marketing to develop all collateral materials and ensure sponsorship recognition.

• Support leadership and Deputy Director in donor recognition events and major campaign milestones. 

Capital Campaign Administration

• Provide administrative support for the capital campaign, including pledge entry, payment tracking, acknowledgment letters, campaign reports, and donor correspondence.

• Maintain campaign records in CRM and ensure consistency with Finance and Development team reporting.

• Assist with scheduling donor meetings, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating follow-up.

Reporting & Analytics

• Produce regular dashboards and reports on sub-$1,000 giving, donor retention, reactivation, and acquisition trends.

• Track performance of appeals and make recommendations for strategy adjustments.

• Coordinate with Finance on reconciliation of annual and campaign gifts.

Organizational Structure: Reports to the Deputy Director.

Schedule: Full-time, exempt (40 hours/week). Some evenings/weekends for events, cultivation, and key campaign events. On-site role; candidates must reside in or relocate to the Dover, DE area.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Please be ready to discuss how you plan to address any areas where you may need to develop further. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and believe they enhance our team. We are open to considering all candidates who are passionate about contributing to our mission.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Nancy Bissonnette

(nancy.bissonnette@thebiggsmuseum.org) with the subject line “Annual Fund Manager.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please.