The Director of Annual Support is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of Vail Valley Foundation’s annual giving activity, special events and data-base administration teams. Reporting to and working directly with the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, the Director of Annual Support plays a vital role in growing the philanthropic revenue for an entrepreneurial, mission-driven organization. In collaboration with the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, responsibilities include meeting or exceeding the annual support and events-related fundraising goals; acknowledging, stewarding, and growing annual fund contributions; assigning new donors to team member portfolios and managing the size and fund balance of portfolios; successfully overseeing the implementation of signature special events (e.g., Black Diamond Ball, Stars Variety Show); representing the organization to donors and the public; leading strategy around annual support fundraising-related collateral; and leading strategy and implementation around donor database utilization. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and willing to take complete ownership of critical duties.
The successful candidate will maintain an in-depth knowledge of Vail Valley Foundation’s, and related organizations, strategic funding priorities to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with the organization’s annual support funders. The Director of Annual Support will manage a portfolio of up to 40 mid-level to major donors. Of critical importance is the ability to work cooperatively with all members of the development team and Vail Valley Foundation leadership in support of the Vail Valley Foundation mission.
Annual Support Responsibilities:
- Work with Senior Vice President of Philanthropy to establish long term annual support goals and objectives, to strategize annual campaign, and all other annual support and event related fundraising efforts.
- Responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the Annual Support programs including but not limited to annual giving for the Vail Valley Foundation Fund, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Vail Dance Festival, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and YouthPower365 (direct mail, in-kind donations, workplace giving, special campaigns (e.g., Colorado Gives Day) events and online giving).
- Responsible for leading and managing the Associate Director of Annual Support position aligned with her/his position description, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Work closely with all revenue generating members of the Development Team to strategically identify and transition annual support donors to major gift donor portfolios for major gift donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation.
- Develop and manage a portfolio of up to 40 of existing and prospective mid-level to major gift donors at discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship donor stages.
- In collaboration with the Senior Marketing Manager of Philanthropy, assist in the creation of external content and collateral for Annual Support efforts, including but not limited to appeals, newsletters, social media, website, and invitations.
- Act as a spokesperson for the organization as needed to bring in funding, volunteers, etc.
- Provide oversight and management of Annual Support reports including pacing reports to monitor progress towards budget goals.
Donor Database Strategy and Management:
- Responsible for leading and managing the Senior Database Manager position aligned with her/his position description, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Work closely with Senior Database Manager and Senior Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement donor database strategies supporting donor identification, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and activities.
Fundraising Events:
- Responsible for leading and managing the Senior Manager of Donor Engagement position aligned with her/his position description, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Work closely with the Senior Manager of Donor Engagement and Senior Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement annual support special event fundraising strategies that will:
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- Enhance annual support baseline revenue,
- Provide a pipeline of annual support donors at the mid and major donor giving levels, and
- Provide community awareness, engagement and volunteer opportunities.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
- Proven success in identifying and soliciting funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations from a variety of sources and in developing relationships with donors.
- Proven track record of working with high net-worth individuals and C-Suite executives as part of special events and annual support activities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive proposals.
- Excellent time management skills and a high degree of organization, careful attention to detail, ability to multitask and to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- High energy and passion for Vail Valley Foundation’s mission is essential.
- Ability to work on selected weekdays, nights and weekend evenings as required.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and decision making, managing people and budgets, and an ability to work in a hands-on environment.
- Computer literacy and knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT is highly desirable.
- Well-disciplined, self-motivated, and goal-driven; able to work with a high degree of independence as well as leading a team.
- Ability to appropriately handle confidential matters and information.
- Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects, using tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to effectively identify, analyze and solve problems.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Minimum 3 – 5 years of Development experience including demonstrated success in individual giving, corporate sponsorship, alumni giving, and special events fundraising and management; exceptional experience in non-development based, but transferrable field(s) may be considered.
- Experience with fundraising and data management systems; Raiser’s Edge is highly desirable.
- Experience with moves management including, but not limited to, prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
Annual base compensation hiring range: $85,000 – $105,000 annually (may vary based on experience).
Our employees are a critical part of who we are and employee wellness is an important priority for our organization. As a result, we offer an array of employee benefits, including but not limited to:
- Employee and family health insurance options
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Supplemental insurance options
- Short and long term disability plans
- 401k retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Added Perks!
- Tickets to shows at the VPAC and GRFA
- Discounted gym membership options
- VIP tickets to VVF events
- FREE ski pass
