Annual Fund Director

Overview of Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer (initially; transitioning to the Sr. Director, Giving and Development Operations), the Annual Fund Director is responsible for creating, managing, and growing a comprehensive and strategic annual fund program. This experienced, strategic, pro-active individual will develop and implement efficient and effective identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for all constituencies within the Association’s rapidly growing Annual Fund, manage a growing portfolio of high-end/significant donors, lay the groundwork for a mid and major gift program as well as identify potential planned giving prospects.  The Director must be comfortable working within the systems and processes needed to execute the Annual Fund.  This position may be considered as a remote.

Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, execute and manage all phases of a comprehensive and well-coordinated annual fund program including, but not limited to:

• Envisioning, developing, planning, and executing annual giving solicitation strategies for key constituents, including current, sustaining, and lapsed donors  
• Working with various teams to assess marketing segmentation to improve results and monitoring metrics of giving participation, average gift size, donor retention, acquisition, and upgrades, and return on investments
• Developing stewardship strategies that provide a pathway for renewed and increased giving
• Working with various teams and direct mail consultants on the Association’s direct mail programs
• Identifying donors who can become prospects for major gift solicitations and gathering the data needed for development and implementation of a major gift program
• Managing a portfolio of 25-50 existing high-end donors. Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and engages assigned prospects to achieve revenue targets. Visits and contacts prospects to develop and grow prospect engagement and giving
• Conducting prospect and donor research, writes profiles and briefings
• Producing monthly/quarterly development fundraising reports and/or dashboards
• Assisting in the development and management of the department budget
• Working closely with the Marketing & Communications team and fundraising colleagues to coordinate communication calendars, messages, and design of messages and materials
• Conducting analysis of annual fund giving for purposes of maximizing ROI and building strategies for constant improvement
• Assisting with drafting and editing of annual giving communications as needed for all channels

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a development/direct marketing role, leading annual fundraising, and major gift efforts.
• Experience with direct mail marketing campaigns, but also understanding how to integrate content across marketing channels to better fundraising results
• Experience planning annual giving campaigns in a data driven environment, including developing vision, donor segmentation, selecting messaging platforms, and oversight of production/execution
• Experience working with a variety of vendors and managing out-sourced functions
• Strong collaborative problem-solving skills in which you seek to understand and make smart decisions through effective communication and leading by example; has the ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly evolving organizational growth opportunities
• Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment—comfort pivoting to meet opportunities while paying attention to strategic priorities
• Excellent project management skills, including understanding of fundraising systems, and the ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail; analytical thinker with a creative vision based in an understanding of business objectives
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in annual fund giving cultivation and stewardship
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization
• Strong enthusiasm for Meals on Wheel America’s mission
• Commitment to the cultural values of Meals on Wheels America (including Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion),

Please consider applying if you meet 75% of the qualifications.  

Benefits - healthcare, dental, vision, Life/STD/LTD, 403(b) with company match.

Meals on Wheels America is an Inclusive Workforce/Employer and encourages applications from qualified persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and disability.