Director of Annual Giving

The Director of Annual Giving plays a key supporting role to ensure successful fundraising – now and in the future – for the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.  Reporting to and in partnership with the Vice President for Outreach, the Director provides input for and helps to execute the development plan with a focus on gifts up to $25,000. The Director will be essential in ensuring that the organization successfully executes cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Primary responsibilities (Including but not limited to)

Support the strategic resource development for the Palmer Foundation, while cultivating an emerging pipeline of donors and prospects.

Leadership:

• Execute the Palmer Foundation’s fundraising plan for annual support.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the organization’s CRM system, including supervision of staff responsible for generating donor and prospect research and completing correspondence, data entry and gift processing.
• Assist with the organization’s key donor events: note that the Arnold Palmer Invitational (API) is the major fundraiser for the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. It is executed by a specialized team – not the Palmer Foundation staff. While not responsible for direct execution of this PGA Tour event, the Foundation integrates donor communication and engagement opportunities at and related to the API.

Administrative/Management:

• Refine and supervise basic research practice, donor screening protocols, and monthly reporting, working alongside the Data Services Coordinator.
• According to a set development communications calendar, ensure that the appropriate prospects are prepped for key one-on-one, written, and digital solicitations as well as provide input for the marketing and communications staff developing key donor tools.
• Oversee research on funding sources (including digital) and trends, ensuring the Palmer Foundation is an innovator in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Track and analyze essential donor information to provide statistical analysis to the Vice President and Board.

Fundraising:

• Diversify the base of support and generate increasing levels of giving from the existing donor community.
• In face-to-face visits, via ZOOM, and in telephone calls, cultivate relationships with approximately 50-75 individuals capable of making $1500-$10,000+ annual contributions, directly generate more than $500K+ in annual contributions within two years of joining the organization. These figures must continue to grow, in accordance with annual progress and planning.

Outreach and Public Relations

• Participate in community initiatives to promote the organization and philanthropy.
• With support from Data Services Coordinator and others, ensure donors receive appropriate, consistent solicitation and subsequent recognition and reporting on the impact of their gifts.

Innovation:

• Assist in the development and management of innovative approaches and initiatives to increase prospect leads and connectivity to existing donors.
• Develop and coordinate recognition opportunities, materials, and events for continuity and donor stewardship.

Reinforcing the “Palmer Way”

• Adhere to the highest ethical standards in working with donors and prospects.
• Reflect empathy, kindness, positivity, sincerity, and perseverance.
• Listen carefully to the needs and goals of the prospect.
• Communicate clearly on the impact of their gifts.

Qualifications and Characteristics Required

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in non-profit fundraising, reflecting a wide array of skills.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and practices.
• Proven track record of closing annual contributions.
• Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and oral.
• High level of organizational and attention to detail.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems.
• High degree of integrity, ethics, dedication, and optimism; commitment to mission and to maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 15 lbs.

• Must be able to endure long periods of standing, sitting, and walking.

• Mental demands include learning, thinking, concentration and the ability to work under pressure, particularly during busy times or for special events.
• Travel as needed, minimal.