Annual Giving Manager

Strategy

The Annual Giving Manager is a key member of the Development team’s leadership and serves as a strategic thought partner to the Development Director. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping and executing Spirit Rock’s fundraising strategy, collaborating closely with the Development Director, Founders, and executive management team to design and implement innovative approaches that sustain and strengthen the organization’s overall development efforts.

Each year, more than 40,000 individuals participate in Spirit Rock’s programs—many returning regularly. These deep and meaningful connections foster a unique relationship that makes generosity and financial support an integral part of our community. Annual giving offers a powerful way for participants to express their appreciation and invest in our work. The Annual Giving Manager will understand this dynamic and work to cultivate and deepen donor relationships on behalf of the organization.

This role will integrate and implement annual giving as part of a comprehensive development plan, engaging both long-term supporters and new individual donors, as well as family foundations. The Annual Giving Manager will collaborate with Spirit Rock’s Communications and Marketing team to reach a broad donor audience, expanding support from across California, as well as national and international communities, to secure ongoing investment in Spirit Rock’s annual operations and program growth.

Operations

The Annual Giving Manager develops, implements, and oversees the execution of a high-quality, relationship-driven, multi-channel Annual Giving program. This includes, but is not limited to: strategic identification, qualification, cultivation, and stewardship of annual donors and members of our $1,000–$9,999 giving circle (Sure Heart Sangha); solicitation of donors via direct mail, email, online platforms, and in-person meetings; management of external vendors and internal staff who support the fundraising process throughout the year; production of innovative solicitation and stewardship events; and strategic list segmentation using Raiser’s Edge to ensure accurate and high-quality record keeping.

The Annual Giving Manager also produces appeal analyses and reports, operates with a data-informed approach to refine tactics, and continually seeks creative and effective ways to engage donors.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual giving plan and create a yearly calendar of activities.
• Set annual goals and revenue projections; develop an annual fund budget in collaboration with other department leaders.
• Prepare all direct mail, email and online solicitations—write solicitations; work with graphic designers, printers to produce and distribute materials. 
• Cultivate and solicit donors for larger annual gifts and develop specific strategies for renewing and upgrading each donor segment.
• Proactively engage with donors and potential donors through personal outreach, written communication, and phone calls; establish systems for donor recognition and stewardship.
• Manage the Sure Heart Sangha—Spirit Rock’s $1,000–$9,999 giving circle—including solicitation via mail and in-person, aligned with the annual giving calendar. When appropriate, collaborate with Spirit Rock’s founders and teacher champions to deliver exceptional stewardship and participate in cultivation events.
• Maintain high standards for donor database management related to annual giving. Ensure data accuracy and leverage the database as a moves management tool.
• Manage special events as needed, occasionally requiring evening and weekend work.
• Analyze database statistics and prepare specific financial projections for the annual fundraising budget and monthly reporting; track and analyze segment financial results and make changes if necessary to improve financial returns.
• Develop specific strategies for identifying and soliciting new prospects, and be self-motivated to steward and cultivate all donors.
• Stay current on best practices in annual fundraising through ongoing research and professional development; integrate insights into Spirit Rock’s fundraising strategies.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathy, perseverance, optimism, and sensitivity to donor needs.
• Manage the selection, hiring and oversight of other vendors as needed.
• Handle special projects and requests as they arise, including special campaigns, volunteer coordination, logistics for major or in-kind gifts, and other development-related tasks.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in development, sales, or another field involving relationship cultivation and revenue generation.
• Knowledge of annual giving development principles and practices.
• Experience tracking, reconciling, and analyzing fundraising results.
• Committed to a donor-centric and relationship-building approach to fundraising.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases required; experience with Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to engage comfortably with a wide range of individuals.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team and build constructive working relationships across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and fundraising software/databases.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure and to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Enthusiasm for and alignment with the mission and values of Spirit Rock.

This is a hybrid work position requiring at least 3 days per week on-site at Spirit Rock's campus in Woodacre, CA, with some additional onsite days as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work is required at times.

Spirit Rock is an equal opportunity employer and strongly values workforce diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who identify as People of Color and/or as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.