Annual Giving Manager

Let Me Run (LMR) is a nonprofit wellness program for third through eighth grade boys. Using running as the vehicle to inspire, teach and reach boys, our comprehensive curriculum breaks down destructive male stereotypes that often stand in the way of positive futures for boys.

Twice a week for seven weeks, our trained coaches guide a team of six to 14 boys through the program, designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5K race that celebrates the boys’ emotional, social, and physical growth.

Let Me Run started in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2008 and since has reached over 40,000 boys across 39 states.

Position Summary

Reporting to the National Director of Marketing & External Affairs and consistent with the mission of Let Me Run, the Annual Giving Manager develops, executes, and manages a comprehensive and successful annual giving program that meets or exceeds stated goals.

Principal Responsibilities

• This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict tasks that may be assigned.
• Collaborate with the National Director of Marketing and External Affairs and Executive Director to set and achieve annual giving goals.
• Develop, execute, and manage a comprehensive annual giving plan, calendar, and budget that includes a full array of fundraising strategies and methods that drive individual, foundation, corporate, and planned giving, including in-person presentations, direct mail, digital platforms, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate and foundation grants, sponsorships, and mission-driven events.
• Collaborate with National Director of Marketing and External Affairs to develop digital and print fundraising collateral and messaging, while ensuring brand consistency and alignment with organization’s non-fundraising communications, events, and activities.

Donor acquisition and relationship management

• Spearhead the design and execution of a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, utilizing targeted messaging and innovative outreach strategies and actively involving board members and other volunteers.
• Lead efforts to identify, acquire, and engage new donors, while maintaining and strengthening relationships with existing supporters through appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Lead the peer-to-peer charity marathon runner teams by overseeing recruitment, fostering donor engagement, and driving expansion efforts with both current and potential race directors.
• Identify and test new charitable revenue opportunities and prospective donor audiences, including cause marketing campaigns, giving levels and societies, matching gift programs, and employee giving initiatives, third-party events, etc., to expand charitable support.
• Identify potential national and regional grant opportunities. Conduct thorough research on funding sources, and manage the entire application process, from drafting proposals to submitting applications, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and organizational goals.
• Create and maintain a Grant Toolkit, which will be a comprehensive resource to help Regional Directors identify and apply for regional grant opportunities.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement strategies to help identify and engage potential major donors, fostering relationships through personalized interactions, tailored communications, and opportunities for increased involvement with Let Me Run.
• Manage a personal portfolio of key donors, ensuring consistent communication and engagement throughout the year.
• Support Executive Director and Regional Directors in management of key donor portfolios and relationships. Collaborate with Regional Directors to ensure fundraising efforts are effective across all markets.
• Regularly update regional sponsor cultivation documents to ensure sponsorship outreach remains current, strategic, and effective.
• Provide support to Regional Directors through the grant and sponsor lifecycle including support for initial prospecting and outreach, securing funding and stewarding long-term relationships.

Analytics and reporting

• Utilize donor analytics and CRM tools (Bloomerang) to identify opportunities for growth, streamline donor cultivation processes, and enhance campaign efficiency to maximize fundraising success.
• Effectively utilize data analytics to identify trends in donor giving and industry best practices to determine the optimal approach when developing, implementing, and evaluating appeals and events.
• Provide fundraising and campaign forecasts for annual budgeting process.
• Lead fundraising appeal analysis, and provide regular fundraising progress reports. Report on key fundraising performance indicators and donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Administrative support & coordination

• Manage donor database, and maintain accurate records.
• Manage selection of and relationships with direct mail firms, print houses, and graphic designers to ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective production of appeal components.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for recurring fundraising activities.

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Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years of professional experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, or inside sales

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with annual giving and use of best practices in annual giving, direct marketing, and volunteer management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Summary

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time management, verbal and written communication, project management, and customer service skills
• Computer literacy and ability to learn Bloomerang donor database and related software
• Ability to handle/manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and internal and external constituents
• Ability to travel within assigned territory using personal vehicle
• Available to attend weekend and evening events as needed

How to Apply

Email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Cate Varley at cate@letmerun.org