Annual Fund Manager

Bookmarks seeks a full-time Annual Fund Manager to support the growth of programs and outreach. The Annual Fund Manager is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive philanthropy program that includes revenue from direct mail, programmatic campaigns, retail round-ups (from the Bookstore), and both electronic and written solicitations.  In collaboration with Board members and the Executive Director, the Annual Fund Manager will expand the current philanthropic framework for direct mail and grow individual donors.

The goal is significant growth in both revenue and donor participation each year. While overseeing the  fundraising effort, Bookmarks has a strong belief in the importance of stewardship that engages the community and shows appreciation that results in high levels of philanthropic engagement. As such, upgrading current donors and identifying potential new major donors is integral to this position.

Specific responsibilities of this position include:

• Designing and implementing a strong stewardship program that will result in a high level of retention among donors at all levels.
• Developing and overseesing a multi-channel fundraising initiative aimed at retaining, renewing, and acquiring individual donors.
• Aggressively growing the current unrestricted fundraising. 
• Identifying, engaging, soliciting and nurturing relationships with individual donors and prospects, working towards achieving and exceeding annual fundraising goals.
• Using data analytics to inform solicitation strategy, moves management and the overall development strategy for all constituents.
• Managing the donor database (Little Green Light)  to ensure accurate data entry and ensure all gifts are acknowledged properly and in a timely manner.

• Working with the Board Fundraising Committee as the staff liaison to plan and implement annual strategy.
• Managing Ex Libris Society campaigns (the major gift donor club); develops strategies and materials for renewal and acquisition; coordinates campaign schedules with subscription renewals; tracks and analyzes patron renewal, acquisition, and attrition.
• Securing annual sponsorships for events including but not limited to Festival of Books, book talks, and Book with Purpose in concert with the Executive Director.
• Support submission of grants and grant reporting as required by the Executive Director.

While none of the below qualifications are required, our ideal candidate possesses a combination of these skills:

• A passion for the organization's mission and cause.
• Strong time management abilities with the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Annual Fund experience with the ability to grow an existing program.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal including an ability to create and deliver presentations to an audience.
• Demonstrated experience in database entry, analysis, reporting, and some project management.
• Preferred proficiency in Little Green Light or similar donor software database.
• Ability to write and deliver content on deadline, with strong proofreading and editing skills for self-review.
• Strong ethical standards, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when handling donor information.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, while building trust and confidence with Bookmarks team members and donors.

Scheduling and Hours:

• Everyone on the Bookmarks team is required to work at the annual Festival of Books and Authors held the last weekend in September (25-28, 2025).
• This is a hybrid position that requires some hours each week in the Bookmarks offices. A set schedule will be set with the Executive Director.