Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations

Organization Description:

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to thousands of children with serious illnesses and their families annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn, in dozens of hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Our Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations can expect to…

• Plan, manage and execute all aspects of Hole in the Wall's annual giving program, including direct mail, social media, and email solicitations to acquire, retain and upgrade support to the Annual Fund, with a particular focus on gifts of $1 - $10,000.
• Utilize a data-driven variable giving strategy to assign and refine gift arrays for all donors giving less than $10,000 annually.
• Determine strategy, segmentations and list criteria for all mailed and emailed solicitations.
• Implement a strategy to increase support of the Annual Fund, with a particular focus on growing leadership giving (gifts of $1,000 to $10,000) and re-engaging lapsing and long-lapsed donors.
• Oversee mailed and digital acquisition strategy, with a particular focus on acquiring new donors from the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Oversee a digital fundraising program that complements existing solicitations, optimizes new revenue, and diversifies our donor base through e-solicitations, giving days, and crowdfunding initiatives.
• Personally manage 20-30 mid-level donor relationships.
• Analyze data to identify major and planned giving prospects, identify trends, and pivot strategies when needed.
• In partnership with the Development Operations team, ensure accurate coding of Annual Fund gifts and tracking of stewardship initiatives in Raiser's Edge.
• Oversee a comprehensive stewardship program that thoughtfully and effectively conveys impact and gratitude for all levels of donors with the goal of increasing retention rates.
• In partnership with the Associate Director of Donor Relations, lead special stewardship initiatives including recognition and stewardship of major donors and volunteers, an annual gratitude month, and impact reporting.
• Support strategy and day-of execution of stewardship events including the annual Bandit Round Up donor appreciation day, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings.
• In partnership with Marketing and Communications team, ensure content of annual fund and donor relations communications, are inspiring and align with Hole in the Wall's broader messaging.
• Lead and mentor a team of three, including the Associate Director of Donor Relations, Leadership Giving Manager, and Digital Fundraising Coordinator.
• Oversee budget for annual giving and donor relations and manage and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Maintain knowledge of trends and best practices to inform, enrich and refresh ongoing fundraising and donor relations efforts.

Our Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations should have...

• 7+ years of fundraising experience with a particular focus in annual giving and donor relations
• The proven ability to design and execute complex, segmented fundraising campaigns across multiple channels
• Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, strategies, and trends in annual giving and donor engagement
• Experience managing a team and fostering a culture of collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft inspiring messaging
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge preferred
• Campaign experience preferred
• The ability to establish positive relationships with a variety of people in multicultural environments
• Enthusiasm for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's mission with a desire to create and share a solid case for support with staff, donors and Camp friends
• A willingness and ability to embrace a hybrid work schedule and to travel as needed to donor meetings, events, and organization-wide and departmental meetings.
• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets HITWG insurance carrier requirements

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides a very competitive salary, a generous benefits package, and growth opportunities for high contributors. To apply, please use the provided link. Due to the volume of resumes received, you will be contacted only if there is interest in pursuing your application. No phone calls please.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, and is committed to a diverse workforce.