Annual Fund Manager

Position Description

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education across its 460+ acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and outdoor education experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, outreach, public programs, events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool).

Working closely with the Director of Advancement, the Annual Fund Manager plans and implements annual fundraising strategies through direct mail appeals, online giving, monthly giving, and events in support of Dodge Nature Center and Preschool. This position works in conjunction with the development and communications team to build funding support, maintain clear and accurate donor files, and provide excellent donor relations.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

Annual Fund Management – 60%

• Develop, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule to support Dodge’s annual fund program.
• Create donor outreach and renewal and/or donor acquisition strategies to build the pipeline for support.
• Write, plan, and execute multichannel fundraising campaigns through direct mail, email, and social media.
• Develop monthly giving strategies and campaigns to build sustaining donors program.
• Manage the Wildflower Society, an annual fund program for donors giving at least $1,000.
• Ensure current, accurate, and consistent information in the shared database, while providing donor and fundraising reports.
• Manage entry of visits, calls, and other actions of solicitors, ensuring that entry is meeting internal weekly requirements.
• Serve as backup for Development Associate for all gift entries and acknowledgements.
• Compile and report data for monthly reconciliation and other finance needs, board reports, and other development activities.
• Manage work with vendors such as direct mail vendors, designers, and printers.

Event and Marketing Support – 30%

• Assist in planning and coordination of special fundraising, community, and donor cultivation events including the annual benefit.
• Manage donor cultivation events with the assistance of other staff members or volunteers.
• Provide support for the Development Committee as requested by the Director of Advancement.
• Coordinate with the communications team on needs for promotions of development events/programs via social media, website, and other external communications channels.
• Provide content and thought partnership for Dodge website, social media, and print collateral in conjunction with the Communications Associate.

Other Duties – 10%

• Support donor database management including record input, lists, and reports.
• Attend offsite meetings and events representing Dodge as needed.
• Update and maintain procedure guide for activities in this position.
• Support memorial, planned giving, and other development-related programs, such as ordering plaques, assisting with dedication events, and preparing printed materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of related experience.
• Three years of professional annual fund and/or individual fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing successful fundraising campaigns and securing individual gifts.
• Excellent customer service skills, including strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills for fundraising.
• Experience with donor management databases.
• Working knowledge of printers, mail houses, and other vendors.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to privacy of confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to organize and coordinate a variety of projects and activities simultaneously.
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
• Commitment to Dodge Nature Center’s mission, vision, and values.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Some evenings and weekends will be required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of professional fundraising and development experience as an annual fund professional.
• Working knowledge of Bloomerang software.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.

How to Apply

Application deadline: Friday, September 18. Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Missi Arens, Executive Director
[email protected]
365 Marie Avenue W
West St. Paul, MN 55118