Director of Annual Giving

About Food For The Poor

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the elderly, skills training, and micro-enterprise development assistance. "Join us in our mission to serve the poorest of the poor."

Overall Responsibility:

The Director of Annual Giving plays a critical leadership role in managing and growing FFTP’s annual fundraising programs. This position oversees the strategy and execution of mid-level giving, direct mail, and special events fundraising to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors. The Director will lead a team and collaborate with other departments to drive fundraising growth and meet annual giving goals in alignment with our organizational mission.

This individual will work closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to implement strategic initiatives that ensure a comprehensive approach to donor engagement, retention, and acquisition.

Duties:

• Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the mid-level giving, direct mail, and special events teams, developing strategies that drive annual giving and align with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the CDO to create integrated fundraising plans, incorporating organizational values into donor engagement efforts.
• Mentor and guide team members, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Mid-Level Giving Program:

• Develop and implement a mid-level donor strategy focused on segmentation, personalized outreach, and donor upgrades.
• Build strong, personalized relationships with mid-level donors through tailored cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Collaborate with the major gifts team to identify and transition high-potential donors and foster long-term engagement.
• Utilize data-driven analysis to track donor trends, retention, and growth, regularly reporting on key metrics to the CDO.

• Direct Mail Campaigns:

• Lead all aspects of direct mail fundraising, from strategy and vendor management to production and execution.
• Implement donor segmentation, crafting targeted appeals to various donor segments and optimizing campaign performance.
• Collaborate with creative teams to develop mission-driven content that resonates with donors and reflects the organization’s values.

• Monitor campaign performance, utilizing data and A/B testing to refine strategies, improve response rates, and increase donor retention.

• Special Events Fundraising:

• Oversee the planning and execution of special events, ensuring they align with financial goals and donor engagement objectives.
• Coordinate with event planners and volunteers to create high-impact experiences that deepen donor relationships.
• Design exclusive VIP experiences and recognition opportunities for targeted donors.

• Collaboration & Data Management:

• Work with internal teams to integrate messaging across channels, ensuring a consistent donor experience.
• Analyze donor data and prepare reports on fundraising performance for leadership, using insights to inform future strategies.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of gifts and interactions in the donor management system.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with direct responsibility for meeting target goals.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing annual giving programs.
• Proven success in leading and growing mid-level giving, direct mail, and/or special events fundraising programs.
   

Skills:

• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and apply findings to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Creative problem-solver with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Willingness to travel as needed for donor meetings and events.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary for special events.