Annual Giving Manager

PURPOSE:

The Annual Giving Associate or Manager plays a key role in supporting the growth and success of San Francisco Opera’s broad-based donor program, focusing on donors contributing up to $4,999 annually. Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, this position supports donor acquisition, renewal, and engagement strategies through direct response campaigns and personalized stewardship. This position requires collaboration across the Development team and other departments to maximize fundraising efforts. This position offers an opportunity to play a meaningful role in advancing San Francisco Opera’s mission by fostering philanthropic engagement and supporting a dynamic community of opera lovers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Support all aspects of the Annual Giving program, including direct mail, email solicitations, telefunding, and digital campaigns (social media, search engine optimization, etc.).
• Write and edit fundraising content including website pages, direct mail pieces, and digital ads.
• Manage all aspects of solicitation emails including writing compelling copy, using images or videos, creating segmented lists in Tessitura, and using Prospect 2 to design and send.
• Coordinate solicitation messaging and campaigns, including those integrated with the Opera’s subscription ticket marketing efforts.
• Track and analyze fundraising campaign performance, providing reports using Tessitura.

Donor Stewardship & Communications

• Serve as a key point of contact for donors giving up to $4,999 annually, responding to inquiries via email and phone.
• Assist in benefit fulfillment, ensuring timely and accurate communication with donors.
• Maintain up-to-date donor records in Tessitura and ensure accurate tracking of donor interactions.

Administrative & Project Coordination

• Maintain relationships with external vendors to manage direct response fundraising projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Manage regular Annual Giving reporting and analysis.
• Reconcile all annual giving gifts to maintain accuracy.
• Track and process Annual Giving invoices and expenses.
• Maintain accurate donor data, including updates, reports, and segmentation.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for Annual Giving campaigns, initiatives, and donor benefits fulfillment.

Event Support & Community Engagement

• Manage donor invitations and RSVPs for select member-level events such as final dress rehearsals.
• Attend occasional evening and weekend Opera events to support donor engagement.
• Assist with special events related to donor cultivation and stewardship.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in fundraising, marketing, customer service, or a related field, with demonstrated success in donor or customer engagement.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor giving cycles, and direct marketing strategies.
• Experience with multi-channel annual giving programs, including direct mail, email, telefunding, and digital campaigns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Tessitura or similar CRM systems preferred.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
• Knowledge of and passion for performing arts and/or opera preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support donor engagement activities.