Description

The Annual Fund Manager is a key member of Achieva’s Development team, responsible for leading and supporting all annual fundraising initiatives across the organization. This role develops and implements strategic plans to raise annual funds, coordinates and executes signature events, cultivates and stewards donors, and contributes to overall organizational development goals. The Manager ensures that Achieva meets its fundraising objectives, maintains strong donor relations, and communicates a compelling message about Achieva’s mission and impact.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraiser with excellent communication skills, strong organizational and project management abilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.  The Coordinator is expected to excel at discovering and telling mission-impact stories, managing projects, and engaging diverse audiences to maximize support. This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for advancing Achieva’s mission.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Strategic Annual Fundraising 

• Develop and implement strategic annual fundraising plans, establishing goals, benchmarks, and milestones to achieve annual giving and special project objectives.
• Assist in creating and implementing an Advancement Annual Fund Plan to inform the organization’s annual operating budget.
• Develop, write, and manage a strategic direct mail program, including planning appeals, coordinating design and production, and analyzing results to optimize donor engagement.
• Identify and secure corporate partnerships, donors, and sponsorships to expand funding sources.
• Monitor industry trends in fundraising and the nonprofit sector to continuously optimize development activities.
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, and other analyses to the Board, Development Committee, management, and other stakeholders, tracking progress against goals and benchmarks.

Event Planning & Management

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising events, including:
• Achieva Promenade, Achieva Golf Classic, Achieva N’at, Achieva Annual Employee and United Way Campaign and Arc Erie County Annual Walk
• Additional donor stewardship and community events as needed
• Analyze event performance and other fundraising activities for continuous improvement.
• Oversee volunteers and staff support during events to ensure seamless execution and strong donor engagement.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Create and implement plans for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Develop compelling fundraising messaging that resonates with prospective donors and partners.
• Assist VP of Advancement with trustee engagement and donor relations initiatives.

Team Leadership & Administration

• Collaborate with Director of Development Operations, ensuring organizational goals, metrics, and tasks are met.
• Assist with department budget development, monitoring expenses and revenue, and ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with internal partners to determine resource needs and provide support.
• Perform other related duties as assigned; responsibilities may change over time.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of fundraising or development experience with increasing responsibilities.
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business, Fundraising, or a related field; CFRE designation a plus.
Documented success in building an annual fund program and managing fundraising events.
Experience using project management software such as Trello or Asana.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated experience in event planning, volunteer management, and donor engagement.
Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Hybrid position, 2 days remote, 3 days office