Annual Fund Manager

Position Summary

The Annual Fund Manager leads the strategy, execution, and growth of Akin’s Annual Fund, driving donor acquisition, retention, and engagement. This role is responsible for building a sustainable base of individual donors through thoughtful storytelling, donor engagement, and data-informed campaigns.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fund strategy aligned with Akin’s mission and revenue goals

• Use donor analytics to inform segmentation and strategy

• Develop and manage multi-channel campaigns (email, direct mail, digital, social)

• Serve as campaign manager across teams and vendors

• Build and manage campaign production timelines in close collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team

• Design and implement donor retention and upgrade strategies, including a welcome series and second gift within 45 days

• Partner with development leadership to identify and transition donors to major gift opportunities

• Ensure timely, meaningful donor acknowledgments and impact reporting

• Segment audiences (new, active, lapsed, monthly, mid-level) and design strategies to increase retention and reengage lapsed donors

• Design strategy and expand monthly giving program

Stewardship & Donor Experience

• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of annual donors and prospects with an emphasis on relationship-building

• Ensure timely, meaningful donor acknowledgments and impact reporting

• Oversee impact messaging that goes to annual donors on a regular basis

• Support the development and execution of the annual impact report and other impact materials for donors

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with communications/marketing to align fundraising messaging with Akin’s voice and brand

• Work closely with development team members on integrated fundraising strategies and donor journeys

Data, Reporting & Performance Management

• Utilize Akin’s CRM to manage donor records, segmentation, and campaign tracking

• Analyze donor behavior, campaign performance, and retention metrics to inform strategy

• Prepare regular reports and insights for leadership to support decision-making

• Work in collaboration with the Database team to prepare reports for leadership

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and manage the annual fund budget

• Oversee external vendors (mail services, digital platforms, creative support)

• Ensure timely and accurate execution of all campaign elements

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of annual giving, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising best practices

• Skills in developing and managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, donor segmentation, and donor retention strategies

• Ability to analyze donor data, campaign performance, and fundraising metrics to inform strategy and decision-making

• Ability to build relationships, cultivate donors, steward donors, and communicate with donors

• Proficiency with CRM databases, reporting tools, Microsoft Office, and digital fundraising platforms

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling donor-centered messaging

• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Commitment to advancing Akin's mission through donor engagement, relationship management, and revenue growth

Working Environment

This job is performed in a professional office environment. Some travel is required throughout Washington State with monthly required in-person meetings in Seattle. Hybrid Work Arrangements Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel

Specific vision abilities required by this job

Regular, predictable attendance is required

Minimum Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in annual giving or fundraising
• Experience with campaigns and segmentation
• Strong project management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an organization with a community-centered or equity-driven mission
• Familiarity with donor journey mapping and behavior-based donor segmentation
• Comfort with A/B testing, campaign analytics, and marketing automation