SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and talented Annual Giving Manager to join the Development team. The Annual Giving Manager is a key member of this department, which is responsible for raising over $8 million annually in contributed funds. This position is responsible for overseeing and executing the Development team’s annual fund activities and for developing, implementing, and analyzing initiatives that will increase annual giving from individual donors.  

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table, reflected in our

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Development Department is dedicated to relationship-building and growing contributed revenue in support of Seattle Rep. Reporting to the Individual Giving Director, the Annual Giving Manager will have primary responsibility for ensuring the success of annual fund campaigns and appeals through all phases, from cultivation to solicitation and donor stewardship. They will strategize, recommend, and lead execution of annualized fundraising strategies, programs and policies for lower-level donors. This position requires a strategic, analytical thinker with strong project management, collaboration, and written and oral communication, as well as computer proficiency and keen attention to detail.

Typical duties include: 

Plan and execute Annual Fund campaign

• In collaboration with the Individual Giving Director, develop and execute a comprehensive annual fund plan each year, identifying strategies and tactics to meet contributed revenue goals while positioning the organization for long-term and increasing investment by donors
• Create, implement, and evaluate strategies that lead to sound donor cultivation, prospecting, segmentation, acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship
• Create, plan, and execute annual giving campaigns to secure undesignated and designated contributions in support of annual operating revenue goals
• Collaborate with Patron Services Office to plan and execute giving campaigns and appeals for inbound and outbound phone calls
• Utilizing the theater’s CRM database (Tessitura), build segmented solicitation lists for all annual fund campaigns; identify and enter appropriate ask amounts
• With Donor Stewardship & Events Manager, plan and execute annual fund donor stewardship events
• Represent the theater at donor events, tabling opportunities, receptions, and meetings as needed

Execute regular and consistent Annual Fund messaging  

• Collaborate with the Communications and graphics teams to envision and execute a multi-channel annual fund communications plan that integrates with organization-wide communication strategies
• In partnership with the Communications team, draft annual fund communications, including direct mail and e-mail appeals, telephone solicitation scripts, web purchase round-up messaging, on-site solicitation signage, and acknowledgment templates
• Coordinate with the Patron Services Office and Major Gift Officers to leverage and maximize opportunities and ensure consistent communications to prospects and donors
• Serve as backup to the Development Assistant in generating and distributing all mass and tailored acknowledgments (digital and print)

Monitor and analyze Annual Fund pipeline and performance to achieve current goals and identify future strategies and tactics

• In collaboration with Development Operations Manager, develop and disseminate weekly data analysis based on measurable goals and metrics related to overall donor retention and acquisition
• Establish and maintain regular tracking methods for all campaigns and appeals, analyzing results and using data to adjust strategies
• Routinely analyze efficacy of campaigns with keen eye to optimizing departmental ROI and minimizing expenses while increasing donor base and contributed revenue
• In collaboration with Business Operations team, ensure continued improvement of Tessitura systems to support annual fund needs
• Prospect research: Continuously identify annual fund donors with capacity for increased giving and collaborate with Individual Giving Director to move these donors through pipeline
• Participate in ongoing efforts to increase volunteerism at Seattle Rep as an effective tool for current and prospective donor engagement, representing the Development team in attending meetings as needed and making recommendations for organizational improvements

Serve as an essential contributor to Seattle Rep’s culture and success

• Add constructively to the collaborative and collegial health of the organization
• Add actively and constructively to the equity, diversity and inclusion work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions
• Engage with and strive to embody Seattle Rep’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work
• Help create a culture of philanthropy among staff, Board members, and donors

 Minimum qualifications

• Three years of development experience in a not-for-profit institution, preferably a theater or arts organization
• Demonstrated knowledge/understanding of successful annual fund practices and donor engagement strategies
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills with the ability to conceptualize, initiate, and implement new projects and solutions
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills, and ability to interact with stakeholders in a manner that strengthens their affinity for Seattle Rep
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure yet collegial environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and CRM software/database systems (Tessitura preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to organize work and set appropriate priorities, meeting competing deadlines under pressure with grace
• Experience with analyzing donor data and giving trends
• An ability to work some flexible hours as necessary (typically for special events, and with advance notice) and some local travel as needed
• Commitment to or knowledge of racial equity and social justice

 Desired qualifications

• Five years of development experience in a not-for-profit institution, preferably a theater or arts organization
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and/or completion of fundraising certificate program or CFRE certification
• Familiarity with prospect research tools and resources
• An appreciation for professional live theater

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related experience and education.
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines how your related experience and education qualifies you for the position.
3. Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes. First round of interviews tentatively scheduled for week of October 17, 2022.

Seattle Rep has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religious exemptions only.

Contact hr@seattlerep.org with any questions regarding the application process.