Philanthropy/Annual Giving Specialist

Summary: Philanthopy/Annual Giving Specialist is responsible for strategically growing the donor base, renewing and upgrading donor support, and strengthening relationships with Annual Giving donors. S/he is accountable for meeting annual donation goals for donors who contribute up to $10,000 annually. 

Cover Letter is Required - Only applicants with cover letter will be considered

Primary Tasks/Duties/Responsibilities:

• Promote and practice Houston Hospice’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Understand and adhere to organizational privacy practices and compliance programs.
• Plan and execute all phases of the annual giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Design and manage a comprehensive direct mail program, Memorial Gifts, matching gifts, and recurring gifts program to secure new, renewed, or increased funding from individuals and businesses. 
• Manage existing third-party and workplace-giving relationships. Identify and research new partners to increase donations.
• Collaborate with Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement to establish annual revenue goals, benchmarks and regular reporting processes to measure annual fund activities.
• Work closely with Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement to design and implement a Hospice Team and Volunteer Engagement program in Philanthropy to engage volunteers and staff in becoming ambassadors and supporters of the annual giving campaign.
• Plan and manage stewardship and recognition activities for donors (i.e. donor cultivation and appreciation events, personalized tours, anniversary/birthday cards, etc.) 
• Develop and maintain an annual philanthropy calendar (appeals, campaigns, events, activities).
• Work with the Database Team to analyze data regarding annual giving programs and past giving trends to provide analyses of program results and to plan for future segmentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely gift entry, reporting and stewardship.
• Collaborate with Communications to create donor-centric messaging that supports appeals, newsletters, the annual report, impact reports, etc. Draft or edit appeal-specific thank you letters.
• Respond promptly and professionally to donor/client, resolving issues related to gifts, mailing lists, memorials, and other engagement opportunities.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding donor and organizational information.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in annual giving and donor stewardship for gifts up to $10,000 required. 
• Proficiency in donor databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. 
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently. 
• Social media savvy, with the ability to engage and grow audiences across platforms to support fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities. 
• Strong initiative and customer service orientation.
• Effective self-organizer, with attention to detail, follow-through, and analysis
• Positive attitude and passion for playing a role in fulfilling the organization's mission.
• Reliable vehicle, valid Texas Driver’s License, and auto liability insurance.