Annual Fund and Donor Experience Officer in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

The Annual Fund & Donor Experience Officer is a critical role responsible for securing, strengthening, and growing individual and corporate giving to ensure Arrowmont meets its institutional fundraising goals. This position reports to the Director of Advancement (DOA) and plays an active role in identifying, cultivating, acquiring, and recognizing donors, ensuring they feel valued, informed, and connected to Arrowmont’s mission to enrich lives through art and craft. The ideal candidate will help create and implement strategies that enhance fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, stewardship, and retention.

*This is a hybrid position that will split time between Gatlinburg/Sevier County and Knoxville/Knox County.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Campaign Strategy & Execution

· Collaborate with Director of Advancement to design, implement, and manage annual giving plan, including direct mail appeals, digital campaigns, and seasonal giving pushes.

· Co-create compelling, creative, and effective written communications and collateral that articulate Arrowmont’s mission and inspire increased annual support.

· Develop and execute multi-channel acquisition campaigns (social media, peer-to-peer, and direct mail) targeted at engaging new donor segments and expanding organizational reach.

Active Solicitation & Donor Management

· Manage a portfolio of 50-100 mid-level donors and prospects.

· Execute personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies through 1:1 meetings, phone calls, and written proposals to secure gifts and upgrade existing donors.

Donor Experience & Stewardship

· Partner with the Director of Advancement to develop creative, meaningful ways to steward donors, ensuring they receive or participate in stewardship initiatives that demonstrate gift impact and increase donor loyalty.

· Plan and execute donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition events, site visits, and other engagement opportunities.

· Create opportunities for donors across the country to connect with the organization’s mission and programs, deepening donor engagement and increasing retention.

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

· Identify, qualify, and track new donor prospects utilizing database analytics, wealth screening tools, and institutional history.

· Develop, test, and implement innovative acquisition strategies—such as lead generation, community partnerships, and “friend-raising” events—to convert non-donors and volunteers into first-time contributors; staying vigilant on soliciting new prospects, new concepts, and new markets.

Data Management & Performance Tracking

· Monitor, analyze, and report on annual fund performance metrics, donor retention rates, and campaign ROI to identify trends and areas for improvement.

· Utilize Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge to the fullest potential to track donor actions, log touchpoints, and manage portfolio moves; working closely with the Development Administrator to maintain data integrity.

Team & Institutional Collaboration

· Work collaboratively with fundraising staff, program teams, volunteers, and external vendors to achieve organizational advancement goals.

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a relevant setting with practical knowledge of annual giving and donor relations operations.

Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate Arrowmont’s mission passionately and persuasively.

Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills and knowledge of donor management software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.

Project Management: Proven ability to multitask, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as collaboratively as a team.

· Ability to travel on behalf of Arrowmont and attend events and programs, as required.