Manager of Development and Individual Giving

Overview

The Manager of Development and Individual Giving is responsible for planning, executing, and growing the organization's annual fundraising efforts with a primary focus on individual donors. This role focuses on donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship through coordinated direct mail and electronic solicitation campaigns. The position plays a key role in building long-term donor relationships and ensuring a positive, engaging donor experience.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Development.

Annual Fund Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Annual Fund strategy for donors in the $1,000–$10,000 range, including targeted cultivation and stewardship events, donor communications, leadership engagement, solicitations, renewals, and upgrade strategies with a focus on the annual fund.
• Personally manage a portfolio of individual and corporate donors with consistent, high-touch engagement, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with the goal of increasing engagement and giving over time.
• Analyze campaign performance and donor data to inform strategy, optimize results, and support continuous improvement.
• Assist the Senior Director of Development and John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO to identify, cultivate, and advance major gift prospects, strengthening the donor pipeline.
• Identify and cultivate new donor prospects from membership, event and program attendees, guests to the museum, and other audience segments to expand the Annual Fund.
• Manage the full lifecycle of print and email campaigns, including segmentation, messaging, and production timelines.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

• Deliver exceptional stewardship to donors and prospects, including attendance at events, curator-led tours, and offsite engagement opportunities as appropriate.
• Design and execute individualized cultivation and stewardship strategies to deepen donor relationships and encourage increased giving.
• Collaborate with program and communications staff to develop compelling donor-centered messaging that demonstrates philanthropic impact through print and electronic communications.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to evolving donor engagement strategies that enhance connection, retention, and donor satisfaction.

Data, Reporting & Collaboration

• Track, analyze, and report on key fundraising metrics, including revenue, response rates, donor retention, and return on investment.
• Prepare regular performance reports for leadership on Annual Fund progress and outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Development and advancement team to align Annual Fund efforts with broader fundraising and organizational goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor records, activity notes, and gift tracking in Tessitura (CRM).

Operations

• Conduct donor prospecting and research, including developing donor profiles, briefing materials, and presentation decks for the Senior Director of Development as needed.
• Contribute to a strong culture of philanthropy by fostering collaboration, shared accountability, and stewardship excellence across the organization.
• Participate actively in department meetings and support a collaborative, mission-driven advancement team culture.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related nonprofit role, with demonstrated success in individual giving or annual fund programs.
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship preferred.
• Experience planning and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including direct mail and digital/email solicitations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret fundraising data, track performance metrics, and apply insights to strategy and decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver compelling donor-centered messaging.
• Creative and entrepreneurial thinking, ability to identify and test new fundraising strategies.
• Familiarity with the current opportunities, challenges, and best practices…