Director Of The Annual Fund

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Annual Fund Director to lead our organization's Annual Fundraising efforts. The Annual Fund Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies aimed at engaging donors, increasing annual giving revenue, and fostering a culture of philanthropy within our community of esteemed Academy members and friends. A key role in the Academy’s six-person development team, the Director is both a strategic leader and hands-on manager of day-to-day activities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in fundraising, strong leadership skills, and a passion for the Academy’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and Implement Annual Fundraising Strategy:

• Create and execute an Annual Fundraising plan that outlines strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship.
• Identify fundraising goals and develop metrics to measure progress and success.
• Engage governance volunteers for peer-to-peer solicitation and stewardship.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording and acknowledgement of all gifts.

Direct Mail and Digital Fundraising Campaigns:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and analysis of direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with the communications and publications teams to develop compelling fundraising appeals and materials.

Major Gift Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with development colleagues to identify potential major gifts from high-net-worth Annual Fund donors.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize fundraising data and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and make data-driven decisions.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising performance and progress towards goals.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Mentor the Development Associate, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments, including communications, publications, events, finance, and programs, to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred), or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on annual giving and donor relations.
• Proven track record of successfully meeting fundraising goals and increasing revenue.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate colleagues and volunteers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and effectively communicate the organization's mission and fundraising needs.
• Experience with fundraising software and CRM systems, with a preference for Salesforce.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze data, and develop and implement fundraising plans.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and values.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, in-office position based at the Academy’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA with some remote work allowable. Some evening and weekend work may be required for events and donor engagements.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for this position is in the range of $100K - $107K, with benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities.

About the Academy

Founded in 1780, the Academy is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges. We encourage candidates to learn more about the Academy and its work on our website.

Values Commitment

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and look to all our staff members to foster and promote these values. More information about our guiding values can be found here.

The Academy recognizes that diversity of thought, class, experience, sex, gender, race, physical or mental ability, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation is a value to uphold and is central to the mission and work of the organization. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.