Annual Fund Manager

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table and reflected in our community.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Development Department is dedicated to relationship-building and growing contributed revenue in support of Seattle Rep’s mission, annual operation, and long-term strategic priorities. The Annual Fund Manager will help design and build a comprehensive communication and solicitation plan and will engage the Seattle Rep community through community-centric fundraising strategies and valuable storytelling. In partnership with the Operations and Individual Giving Director, the Annual Fund Manager will set monetary and participatory goals for the Annual Fund Campaign and will engage donors at the low- and mid-tier levels to achieve those goals through meaningful communication, stewardship, and events.

Typical duties include:

50% - Develop and Lead a comprehensive Annual Fund Program

• In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer and Operations and Individual Giving Director, develop and execute a comprehensive annual fund plan each year, identifying strategies and tactics to meet contributed revenue goals while positioning the organization for long-term and increasing investments by donors
• Focus on building an annual fund donor base, attracting theater patron participation, increasing retention rates, and increasing average gift renewal amounts
• Working in-tandem with the Donor Stewardship and Events Director to implement a regular program of stewardship activities focused on Annual, Pipeline, and Mid-Level Donors
• Collaborate with the Patron Relations Team and Patron Relations Manager to plan and execute giving campaigns and appeals for inbound and outbound phone calls
• Utilize the theater’s CRM database (Tessitura) to build segmented solicitation lists for all annual fund campaigns; identify and enter appropriate ask amounts
• Represent the theater and provide support at donor events (i.e. Tech Dress and Wine & Design), tabling opportunities, receptions, and meetings
• Manage and steward a portfolio of approximately 50 Annual Fund households, including mid-level and emerging major donors, through individual engagement plans, in-person donor meetings, and tailored solicitations via mail and email to deepen relationships and increase support

40% - Strategize and Deliver regular and consistent Annual Fund Communications

• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Teams to envision and execute a multi-channel annual fund communications plan that integrates with organization-wide communications strategies
• Draft annual fund communications, including direct mail and e-mail appeals, telephone solicitation scripts, web purchase round-up message, on-site signage, and tailored acknowledgement templates while tracking and evaluation performance to inform future strategy and improve results
• Coordinate with the Patrons Relations Team and Major Gift Officers to leverage and maximize opportunities and ensure consistent communications to prospects and annual fund donors

10% - Monitor and analyze Annual Fund pipeline and performance to achieve current goals and identify future strategies and tactics

• Establish and maintain regular tracking methods for all campaigns and appeals, analyzing results and using data to adjust strategies
• Routinely analyze efficacy of campaigns with keen eye to optimizing departmental ROI and minimizing expenses while increasing donor base and contributed revenue
• In collaboration with the Business Operations Team and Development Operations Manager, ensure continued improvement of Tessitura systems to support annual fund needs
• Prospect research – continuously identify annual fund donors with capacity for increased giving and collaborate with Operations and Individual Director to move these donors through pipeline
• Support with bi-annual donor moves management within Tessitura to move donors into Major Gift Officer Portfolios or back into Annual Fund pool

Other: Serve as an essential contributor to Seattle Rep’s Culture and Success

• Add constructively to the collaborative and collegial health of the organization
• Add actively and constructively to the equity, diversity and inclusion work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions
• Engage with and strive to embody Seattle Rep’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work
• Help create a culture of philanthropy among staff, Board members, and donors

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of development/membership experience in a not-for-profit institution
• Demonstrated knowledge/understand of successful annual fund and/or membership practices and donor/member engagement strategies
• Comfortable with frequently making outbound phone calls to connect with annual donor-base
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills with the ability to conceptualize, initiate, and implement new projects and solutions
• Ability to organize work, set appropriate priorities while working on multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills, and ability to interact with stakeholders in a manner that strengthens their affinity for Seattle Rep
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced yet collegial environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams) and CRM databases, with the ability to learn new software and systems quickly
• An ability to work some flexible hours as necessary (typically for donor events, and with advance notice)
• Commitment to or knowledge of racial equity and social justice
• Experience performing similar bodies of work in a not-for-profit organization

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ year of development and/or communications experience in a not-for-profit institution, preferably a theater or arts organization
• One year or more of experience with Tessitura or other comparable CRM systems/databases
• An appreciation for professional live theater
• Knowledgeable about community-centric fundraising practices and principles
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Seattle Rep is excited about and actively working towards becoming a more diverse, anti-racist organization. We are interested in attracting, developing, and advancing the most talented individuals regardless of their race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, disability status or any other dimension of diversity. We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others from underrepresented groups to apply.

Every candidate brings something special to the table. If your experience and skills don't perfectly align with the job qualifications but you are excited about the role, feel your values align well with Seattle Rep, and are willing to strive for excellence in your work, please apply. We will train the right candidate.

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related professional experience related to the position.
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines how you qualify for the position and why you are interested in working at Seattle Rep
3. Include an example of a solicitation letter directed towards a broad audience

Applications will be reviewed once the application window has closed.

Workplace accessibility and accommodations can be discussed with HR once an offer of employment has been extended.