Manager of Annual Fund & Special Events

We are seeking a highly motivated professional who is committed to the challenges of building a young organization to take a leadership role in Springstep’s fundraising success. He/she will work closely with the Executive Director to meet individual and corporate giving goals, with a focus on generating membership and donor support through annual appeals, gala events, and direct donor cultivation. This person will be an articulate advocate for our mission and programs, highly dependable and organized, and enjoy working with people and managing events. As a member of a small staff team and the only full-time development staff person, he/she must be very self-motivated and skilled in multiple areas of responsibility, from writing to data management. Some evening and weekend work required. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.



Our Mission & Organization:

Springstep is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community participation in dance and music from a broad diversity of cultural traditions. We opened our doors in September 2003 and operate with a small and dedicated staff of eight full-time individuals, and we support a much larger network of affiliate organizations. Our programs include classes, performances, an art gallery, and many community-based social dances and music events.



Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead staff person for organizing our overall development effort, managing implementation of the annual development plan throughout the year by coordinating the work of the Development Committee and event committees, and working closely with the Executive Director and all staff to meet fundraising targets.

• Develop and manage periodic annual fund appeals throughout the year. Write content and produce print materials. Generate mail merges and manage mailings for both mail house delivery and in-house mailings. Track and evaluate appeal results.

• Serve as the lead staff person for maintenance and utilization of the combined marketing and development database. Enter data and oversee all staff data entry by others. Ensure the accuracy and usefulness of all development records and data, for both developing and analyzing strategy. Pull development reports for all data needed and for generating mailing lists.

• Ensure that gift acknowledgements and all donor communications are effective stewardship tools. Supervise an administrative assistant who generates donor acknowledgements and helps with data entry.

• Cultivate new and renewing members through direct outreach to students and program participants on site. Promote awareness of Springstep’s program model and associated fundraising needs; build donor enthusiasm for our future.

• Work closely with the Executive Director on cultivating corporate support from businesses and promoting sponsorship opportunities for Springstep events and programs.

• Develop and produce our major annual fundraising gala, Radiance, meeting increased fundraising targets for the next three successive years. This event includes performances, demonstrations, and live and silent auctions. It is an important showcase for our programs and mission.

• Organize the Springstep Annual Meeting & Celebration, leadership donor cultivation dinners, and other fundraising and stewardship events.

• Integrate fundraising efforts with our program marketing and outreach. Manage the combined marketing and development budget.

• Supervise the Manager of Marketing and Communications, who produces print materials for marketing programs, handles public relations, and manages the web site. Oversee the timetable for production of all organizational printed materials (both marketing and development) throughout the year. Assist in the creation and implementation of our annual marketing plan.

• Cultivate an atmosphere of team responsibility toward meeting development goals throughout the organization— among Board, staff, and volunteers. Train and encourage all involved so that our fundraising effort is embraced by all.



Qualifications:

Strong management experience, with at least three-four years in marketing and/or development roles. Must have a good understanding of donor giving strategies, strong writing skills, and be exceptionally well organized. This position absolutely requires a high-level of proficiency in the utilization of development databases and computer software applications, especially MS Excel. The ideal candidate will be a growing development professional who enjoys working closely with the Executive Director, is hard-working, eager to be mentored, and passionate about our mission. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.