(Posted: 5/28/2024)

Development manager

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is seeking a driven and experienced Development Manager to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our Senior Director of Philanthropy to plan and implement our annual fundraising strategy. The ideal candidate will possess substantial expertise in both digital and direct mail fundraising, as well as a demonstrated ability to drive integrated fundraising efforts.

As a hands-on member of our team, you will be responsible for implementing digital strategies, managing direct mail vendors, managing donor relationships with a focus on stewardship and cultivation, and identifying new funding opportunities. Collaboration is fundamental to our approach, and you will work closely with colleagues across departments and external partners to achieve our fundraising goals.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, results-driven, and dedicated to the success of our organization. Your efforts will play a critical role in enhancing our access to actionable data, optimizing our digital marketing efforts, and delivering an exceptional experience to our donors and supporters. If you are passionate about fundraising and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us in advancing our mission.

RESPONSIBILITES

Digital Fundraising

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy to develop and execute strategic plans aimed at converting and retaining new donors.
• Curate and maintain development-related content and tools across online and print platforms, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in messaging and branding.
• Help establish and uphold a cohesive fundraising strategy with integrated direct marketing campaigns.
• Create compelling narratives that resonate with donors and inspire support.
• Monitor campaign progress and adjust strategies as needed.
• Strengthen our fundraising infrastructure and processes.
• Explore innovative approaches to digital fundraising within the nonprofit space.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in digital fundraising to optimize fundraising efforts.
• Utilize tools of our CRM to maximize its use for development.

Donor Stewardship

• Cultivate strong relationships with existing donors to ensure ongoing support and engagement.
• Develop and implement a digital donor stewardship program that will include existing systems, donor journey automation, LYBUNT and SYBUNT management, and acquisition strategies.
• Support the activities that arise from individualized donor cultivation and stewardship plans, including follow-up calls, emails, and mailings with an emphasis on reactivation and retention efforts.
• Collaborate with the team to enhance donor stewardship and engagement.
• Help steward and grow the Sustainers portfolio.

Direct mail collaboration, reporting, and general administration

• Maintain accurate donor records to track donor interactions and fundraising progress.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, donor acquisition, and revenue projections for organizational leadership.
• Ensure proper electronic and hard copy filing of campaigns, reports, and correspondence.
• Support direct mail campaigns with vendor and premium management.
• Assist with print production priorities throughout the creative routing process, ensuring that project milestones are met, and adhering to approved budgets.
• Provide administrative support to the development team.
• Help with other fundraising and program activities as needed and assigned.
• Troubleshoot donor inquiries with donations, automatic transactions, premium fulfillment, and recurring gifts.
• Work with development staff to process in-house cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation mailings.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field – college minimum, university preferred – or a combination of education, comparable skills, and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience working in a fundraising environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of computer software including Microsoft’s suite of tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email and scheduling systems, and other internet applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and very strong person-to-person relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple and changing demands.
• Ability to travel to Washington DC up to three times per year for ceremonies.

If you are interested in working with us, please submit a cover letter and resume to Luz Lovins, [email protected].