Donor Engagement and Stewardship Manager

Overview

The Donor Engagement & Stewardship Manager is a key member of the Development team. Responsible for creating and managing fundraising plans, this employee ensures the overall success of Nashville Ballet’s comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including but not limited to individual donors, prospects, corporate donors, and foundation/grant data. Working closely with the Director of Development (DoD), Director of Operations (DoO), and Artistic Director/CEO, the Donor Engagement & Stewardship Manager collaborates and coordinates with other departments, team members, and volunteer leadership, and will be a frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying and securing new sources of revenue, as well as strengthening existing relationships through targeted efforts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies that will grow annual revenue.
• Primary responsibility for the cultivation, appeals, engagement, and stewardship of annual fund an appropriately sized portfolio.
• Work collaboratively across departments to support execution of development strategy.
• Work with external partners to grow Nashville Ballet’s brand and cultivate ongoing support and contributions.
• Track and assess fundraising progress; monitor campaign goals and make changes/additions to campaigns as necessary.
• Identify, engage, and steward new donors and prospects to grow Nashville Ballet’s support base.
• Responsibilities to include prospecting from internal and external sources (e.g., Tessitura, School of Nashville Ballet, newspapers, etc.), incorporating lead lists into campaign efforts, and spearheading solicitation efforts.
• Engage volunteers in new donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Oversee the planning and creation of development solicitation and print materials, including letters of appeal, corporate proposals, annual reports, and development brochures.
• Work closely with the Director of Development, DoO, CEO/Artistic Director, and Board of Directors in the cultivation and solicitation of gifts.
• Assist in the creation of each fiscal year s fundraising calendar.
• In conjunction with the DoD, DoO, and CEO/Artistic Director, attend and represent the development team at appropriate meetings, including board meetings, development committee, nominating and governance, etc.
• Support and collaborate on event fundraising efforts, including Ballet Ball.
• Connect fundraising to other Nashville Ballet projects:
  Hold an understanding of the work and timelines of different departments (marketing, community engagement, School of Nashville Ballet) to incorporate fundraising whenever possible.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Relevé Society.
• Support corporate partnerships and explore growth opportunities for new and increased philanthropic support from corporations.
• Participate in foundation/grant-related meetings and manage the department data collection for grant reporting.
• Monitor revenue and expenses related to fundraising efforts.
• Assists the development team in data entry/management during peak times.

• Represent Nashville Ballet at performances, School events, community events, and local business organizations as needed.
• Strong ability to craft solicitation and appeal messages suitable for a variety of communication vehicles (mailed, electronic, and telephonic).
• Operate with a virtual 100% accuracy and data-entry integrity.
• Possess the desire and ability to self-check work.
• Possess the desire and ability to contribute to a positive and effective team.
• Regularly demonstrate sound judgment and discretion with confidential information.
• Maintain exceptional customer service skills.
• Work as part of a team to engage in strategic and purposeful use of the Tessitura database.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to all staff regarding data availability, manipulation, and extraction from Tessitura.
• Keep all documentation organized to be easily accessible by all users.